Dental Assistant

Join our team as a Dental Assistant and make a meaningful impact by supporting high-quality dental care in a public health setting. This position plays an important role in improving access to oral healthcare for underserved and vulnerable populations by assisting dentists and hygienists, preparing treatment areas, supporting patient comfort, and helping ensure safe, efficient, and compassionate care. The Dental Assistant also provides administrative support, including scheduling patients, assisting with clinic coordination, and supporting the Dental Clinic Manager with daily operations. We offer a positive work-life balance with a stable daytime schedule and Fridays off, along with excellent benefits including comprehensive health insurance and paid time off.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Dental Clinic Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

• Prepares treatment rooms and patients for dental procedures by following clinic protocols, welcoming and seating patients, and ensuring comfort and safety.
• Assists the dentist during procedures by sterilizing, organizing, and passing instruments; positioning equipment; suctioning; and supporting efficient patient care.
• Provides patient education, including oral hygiene, plaque control, postoperative instructions, and answers to basic questions or requests.
• Supports emergency preparedness by maintaining CPR certification and assisting with emergency supplies, oxygen, medications, and contact information.
• Maintains accurate patient records by obtaining required release forms and completing treatment chart documentation before the patient leaves the chair.
• Protects patient confidentiality and follows all privacy requirements.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and organized clinic environment by following infection-control policies, cleaning clinical equipment, stocking workstations, and keeping the supply room neat and orderly.
• Supports dental equipment operations by completing routine maintenance, troubleshooting concerns, reporting repair needs, and maintaining equipment and supply inventories.
• Monitors dental supply levels, conserves resources, and places supply orders when needed in the absence of the Dental Clinic Manager.
• Escorts patients to the front desk after treatment and supports smooth patient flow throughout the clinic.
• Provides administrative support by making copies of release forms, scheduling patients, and communicating with the Dental Clinic Manager regarding appointments, emergencies, and clinic needs.
• Contributes to the dental team by completing other duties as assigned.

FRONT DESK RESPONSIBILITIES

• Greeting patients.
• Determine patient eligibility as specified by clinic guidelines.
• Inputting patient treatment information, scanning documents, and maintaining patient charts.
• Scheduling and confirming patient appointments.
• Answering the telephones.
• Keeping the waiting room clean and organized.
• Overseeing patient flow.
• Provide feedback on how to improve the efficiency of patient flow.
• Cover the front desk and administrative duties in the absence of the Dental Clinic Manager

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent with two (2) years of general work experience.

AND

Certified Training in Dental Assisting with applied internship or hands-on experience, including Dental Radiologic Procedure (X-Ray) Certification

Must have the ability to communicate effectively. Must have basic computer skills. Good organizational skills required. Spanish-speaking ability preferred.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; ability to follow written and verbal instructions; ability to communicate effectively, verbally, and in writing; Ability to deal with the public under conditions of stress and maintain composure and professionalism.

This position requires light physical effort. It may include frequent lifting of up to 10 pounds and occasional lifting to 25 pounds. Some bending, stooping, and/or lifting will be required. Considerable standing and walking may be involved.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

Achieve a competent or higher rating overall in each performance evaluation, which measures the following:

• thoroughness, planning and organization, neatness and accuracy;
• learning and knowing all phases of the job; recognizing and solving routine problems;
• knowing the office policies, systems, and services;
• compared to other employees, maintaining a competent volume of work in addition to regular tasks, and a competent speed of work;
• being able to perform new duties, adjust to new situations, and control self under pressure;
• being resourceful; volunteering suggestions for improvement of work; being self-starting; seeking new tasks; taking responsibility;
• making decisions; studying and considering all facts; using common sense;
• cooperating with supervisors and peers; accepting constructive criticism; seeking self-betterment through education and other means;
• being friendly, helpful, and showing self-control;
• being punctual in attendance; and
• being professional in dress and manner, showing good housekeeping of the general work area.

Tooele County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or any other protected class.