Dental Assistant

Hiring Range = $16.50 - 17.90\hour

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 

Dental Assistant General Description

This position is responsible for providing technical assistance to the dentists and dental hygienists. This includes a variety of duties from preparing rooms for the patient visit to sterilizing instruments after the appointment. This position is also responsible for providing patient education regarding oral health and documenting procedures in the electronic health record.

Mission & Value Statements 
The mission of Salina Family Healthcare Center is to serve our community at the crossroads of compassionate healthcare and professional education. 

Salina Family Healthcare Center is guided by the following fundamental values:

• Excellence;


• Innovation;


• Access;


• Teamwork;


• Social justice;


• Education;


• Ethics & integrity;


• Patient-centered. 

Dental Assistant Essential Duties

1. Check patients in for dental visits by performing needed x-rays, obtaining vital signs, setting up instruments for examinations/procedures, and review health history. 


2. Assist dentists and/or dental hygienists in daily clinical and operational activities;


3. Prepare patients for procedures and ensure that all the appropriate instructions and equipment are arranged and ready.


4. Maintain a clean oral working area prior to, during and post exams/procedures.


5. Educate patients on techniques of flossing, brushing, overall oral health, and the role of the dental care team.


6. Clean and sterilize instruments appropriately.


7. Expose x-ray films suitable for diagnostic purposes.


8. Develop, mount, and label films for use in diagnosis.


9. Lab duties include: pour and trim models and fabricating trays.


10.  Is attentive to patient and provider needs.


11. Perform other duties as assigned.
    

Dental Assistant Skills Required

1. Knowledge of HIPAA privacy rules and regulations.


2. Enthusiasm for working as a member of a team in a rapidly changing environment.


3. Willingness to educate patients and the community in oral healthcare and the role of the dental care team


4.  Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize them to provide appropriate, efficient, and quality patient care.
   


5. Excellent customer service skills and ability to effectively and respectfully interact with unsatisfied patients and coworkers.


6. Ability to work well with children, elderly, and special needs patients.


7. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, coworkers, and the public.
   


8. Ability to accurately document procedures in electronic record.
   


9. Effective and efficient time management.
   


10. Ability to work independently and use good judgement. 

Dental Assistant Education and Experience

1. High school diploma or equivalent is required;


2. Graduation from a dental assisting program or prior experience as a dental assistant (preferred but not required)


3. Must have and maintain CPR certification;


4. Nitrous trained; or must obtain within one year of employment;


5. Nomad trained; or must obtain within one year of employment;


6. Social and cultural sensitivity appropriate to ethnically and economically diverse participant- and employee-base.
   

To see the full job description, please email [email protected] with your requests.