Dental Assistant (Sterilization Experience Preferred)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Dental Assistant supports dentists and dental hygienists in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. This role is responsible for chairside assisting, preparing patients and treatment rooms, maintaining infection prevention and control standards, performing instrument sterilization, and ensuring efficient patient flow. As part of a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), the Dental Assistant plays a key role in supporting access to care for underserved populations. This position includes responsibility for instrument sterilization. Candidates must possess, or be willing to obtain, a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification as required by Saint James Health.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist dentists during examinations and procedures (chairside support)


• Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, and materials for patient care


• Sterilize, disinfect, package, and maintain dental instruments and equipment in accordance with OSHA, CDC, and organizational infection control standards.


• Maintain documentation and quality assurance related to instrument sterilization, as required.


• Take dental radiographs (X-rays) as permitted by state regulations


• Prepare patients for treatment and ensure comfort throughout procedures


• Provide patient education on oral hygiene and post-treatment care


• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record (EPIC/Wisdom)


• Manage operatory flow to support efficient scheduling and patient throughput


• Monitor and restock dental supplies and equipment


• Ensure compliance with infection control, safety, in accordance with OSHA and CDC guidelines, and HIPAA standards


• Support front desk or administrative functions as needed (e.g., patient intake, scheduling)


• Support delivery of care aligned with HRSA clinical quality standards


• Assist with patient flow to improve access and reduce wait times


• Provide culturally competent, patient-centered care


• Support compliance efforts, including audits and chart reviews as needed

OTHER DUTIES:

• Must be able to perform opening and closing responsibilities as assigned.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of dental procedures and instruments


• Understanding of infection control and sterilization protocols


• Experience with electronic health records (EPIC preferred)


• Strong communication and patient service skills


• Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, team-based environment


• Knowledge of instrument sterilization and infection prevention practices.


• Current Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification preferred. Candidates without certification must be willing to obtain the CRCST certification within a timeframe established by Saint James Health.


• Commitment to serving underserved populations

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required


• Completion of an accredited Dental Assistant program preferred


• Minimum of 1–2 years of dental assisting experience preferred, especially in a community health setting


• Current NJ Dental Radiology License required (or ability to obtain within 6 months)


• Current CPR/BLS certification required


• Current Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification preferred. Candidates selected for positions with sterilization responsibilities must obtain CRCST certification within 6 months of hire if not already certified.


• CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) or RDA (Registered Dental Assistant) preferred but not required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those which an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.

While in clinic, there may be some exposure to communicable disease, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a clinical environment. The noise level in the varies from moderate to loud.