Dental Assistant

**This position is eligible for a $2,000 sign-on bonus.

See details in the Compensation & Benefits section of this posting.**

Job Summary

The Dental Assistant provides quality care and services to patients by assisting dentists and other staff in a variety of patient care, office and laboratory duties. Affects the efficiency and productivity of patient flow through timely, accurate and professional preparation of patients and patient information.

Essential Functions

• Facilitates positive patient experiences in the dental clinic while ensuring efficient and productive patient flow.
• Prepares operatory for patient visit and procedures demonstrating knowledge of dentistry procedures, procedure set up, and materials.
• Greets and establishes rapport with patient. Ensures that patient is treated with care and compassion throughout the visit.
• Collects and records patient blood pressure, pulse and health history.
• Collects and submits all patient services and billing information.
• Assists the care provider and supports the patient in the provision of optimal comprehensive care, before, during and after procedures.
• Completes dental x-rays pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 20 Section 650.
• Adheres to organizational policies and procedures to minimize risk of radiation exposure to employees and patients.
• Provides laboratory support, including pouring and trimming study models.
• Performs direct patient care as delegated by the dentist in accordance with the Iowa practice act.
• Instructs patients and their family members on general oral health care and information related to post-treatment care.
• Ensures services and patient education in a manner that is appropriate for the patient’s age and physical, psychosocial, educational, safety and cultural needs.

Prepares, maintains dental instruments, materials, and equipment. Maintains documents for equipment maintenance as well as instrument and supply inventory.

Follows infection control policies and procedures to:

• Performs pre-cleaning and transport of contaminated instruments.
• May perform sterile processing of instruments as assigned.

Completes and maintains patient records and related documents consistent with HIPAA and other related regulations and PHC policies and procedures.

Provides backup support for the front desk staff as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education: Graduation from an accredited dental assisting program or documentation of equivalent training that meets the Iowa Dental Board requirements for dental assistants

Experience: None required

License/Certifications:

Current QDA Registration through the Iowa Dental Board
*Current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers Certification recognized by the American Heart Association
*Current Mandatory Reporter Training: Child and Dependent Adult Abuse recognized by the Iowa Department of Public Health
*Must obtain within 90 days of hire/transfer date if not current upon hire/effective date.

Knowledge, Skills or Abilities:

Proficiency in operating a computer and ability to learn and use computer applications
Excellent customer service skills.
Effective English communication skills, written and verbal.
Demonstrates attention to detail in work.
Interacts with others in an empathetic manner while maintaining professional boundaries.
Remains calm and works through difficult interactions.
Other Job Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Work experience in a community health center
• Clinic experience working with patients with varying age-related, physical, psychosocial and cultural needs
• Experience in a dental office

License/Certifications: Dental Assistant National Board Certification

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Verbal & written language proficiency in Spanish

Typical Work Hours
This position typically works 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM. Schedule is not guaranteed and may change based on clinic needs.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is dependent on education and experience.

PHC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• $2,000 sign-on bonus ($500 at hire, $500 at 6 months, $1000 at 1 year). Internal candidates are not eligible for sign-on bonus.
• Qualified individuals are eligible for up to a $500 quarterly retention bonus as part of special funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Bonuses are time limited through the Spring of 2023.
• Generous PTO accrual (equal to 4 weeks at end of 1st year) plus paid holidays
• License/certification fee reimbursement
• Paid time off for continuing education & continuing education reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement program
• 401k with company match
• Medical insurance - PHC Pays, on average, 80% of medical premiums for all plan types (employee, employee + family, etc.)
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life & disability insurance
• Flexible spending & health savings accounts
• Supplemental accident & critical illness insurance
• Discounts on pet insurance