Position Summary The Dental Assistant provides clinical and administrative support to dentists and the dental care team to ensure the delivery of safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care. This position assists with patient preparation, chairside procedures, radiographs, infection prevention, patient education, and operatory maintenance while promoting a positive patient experience. The Dental Assistant plays an important role in supporting the mission of Health Care Partners of South Carolina by providing compassionate, patient-centered oral healthcare to the communities we serve. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, equipment, and materials for patient care and dental procedures.
- Welcome, prepare, and assist patients before, during, and after dental treatment to promote a comfortable and positive experience.
- Assist dentists during examinations, restorative procedures, oral surgery, extractions, endodontic, pediatric, and other dental procedures.
- Obtain and process dental radiographs in accordance with provider orders and applicable safety standards.
- Record and update patient medical and dental histories, vital signs when appropriate, and other clinical information in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
- Provide patient education regarding oral hygiene, preventive care, post-operative instructions, and treatment recommendations.
- Perform chairside and laboratory duties, including taking impressions, pouring models, and preparing dental materials as permitted by state regulations.
- Clean, disinfect, sterilize, and maintain dental instruments, equipment, operatories, and treatment areas in accordance with OSHA, CDC, and infection prevention guidelines.
- Monitor dental supplies, instruments, and equipment, reporting maintenance needs and assisting with inventory management and ordering.
- Assist with appointment scheduling, patient follow-up, referrals, and other administrative tasks as needed.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient care and clinical activities in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
- Maintain patient confidentiality and protect health information in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
- Participate in required trainings, staff meetings, continuing education, and organizational quality improvement initiatives.
- Travel between Health Care Partners of South Carolina dental locations as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned. Education & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Current Dental Assistant certification as required by the State of South Carolina.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross preferred.
- Minimum of one (1) year of experience as a Dental Assistant in a dental office, community health center, or similar clinical setting preferred.
- Experience working in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) preferred.
- Experience using Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of dental assisting principles, chairside procedures, radiography, sterilization techniques, and infection prevention practices.
- Knowledge of
OSHA, CDC
infection prevention guidelines, and HIPAA regulations.
- Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills with a commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced clinical environment.
- Proficiency in Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and establish positive working relationships with patients, providers, and coworkers.
Pay:
$18.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
403(b) matching Dental insurance Disability insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Paid time off Pet insurance Vision insurance
Work Location:
In person