Bilingual Dental Assistant

PHMC serves as both a direct service provider to individuals, families, and communities across the region and as an intermediary agent — managing large-scale contracts, government and philanthropic partnerships, and multidisciplinary initiatives that require operational sophistication, strategic leadership, and deep mission alignment.

Summary Job Description :

Under the supervision of a Dentist, the Dental Assistant supports the dentist in the provision of high-quality care within the scope of service consistent with accepted standards of care for dental assistants.

Responsibilities:

• Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies, and equipment.


• Prepares the operatory for the patient visit.


• Seats the patient in a chair and explains procedures to be performed.


• Collects and records patient health histories.


• Drapes patient with protective linens; sets up instrument tray with required supplies.


• Prepares dental materials, cements, amalgams, composites, impression materials, etc.


• Takes radiographs using conventional or digital technology and follows radiation safety precautions.


• Assists with dental charting.


• Assists in the prevention and management of dental emergencies.


• Manages the patient during dental procedures.


• Provides active chairside assistance; transfers instruments as appropriate for four-handed dentistry.


• Place and contour amalgam and other restorative materials.


• perform coronal polishing.


• perform fluoride treatments, including fluoride varnish.


• Takes impressions for study casts, athletic mouth guards, and a custom tray.


• Performs laboratory procedures, including the pouring and trimming of models; polishing dental prosthetics, and making vac-u-press forms.


• At the conclusion of the procedure, follow proper infection control protocols and prepare the operatory for the next patient.


• Help manage the dental office’s infection control plan to meet all regulatory requirements.


• Monitors and documents the flow of laboratory cases; maintains the lab facility.


• Performs, monitors, and records all sterilization activities.


• Maintains proper aseptic techniques necessary with dental equipment; maintains and properly sterilizes instruments.


• Routinely cleans, disinfects, and restocks operatories.


• Helps manage patient flow.


• Maintains the inventory of supplies and reorders as necessary.


• Track and verify invoices.


• Translate dental treatment, after care, and answer questions in English and Spanish from doctor to patient.


• Performs duties within the dental program as assigned.

Skills:

• Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines


• Ability to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet regulatory requirements


• Maintains and expands the current level of dental assistant skill and knowledge by periodically attending continuing education programs


• Ability to effectively communicate, translate, read, and write in Spanish required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 2 years as a dental assistant. 


• Spanish language proficiency required.


• Experience in a community health environment serving uninsured or underinsured patients is preferred.

 EDUCATION:

• High school diploma or GED


• CPR/BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required


• National DANB Radiation and Safety exam Certificate of Completion is required


• Certification in Dental Assisting is required

PHMC is an EOE and an E-Verify Employer