Dental Assistant

Job Title: Dental AssistantJob Classification: Full-Time, Non-exemptWork Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pmReporting Relationship: Director of Dental HealthLocation: On-site, Atlanta GAPrimary Accountability (Job Purpose):The Dental Assistant supports dental care delivery. This includes assisting dentists and hygienists during procedures, preparing treatment rooms and materials, and ensuring compliance with Georgia’s dental practice regulations. The role also involves patient education, outreach activities, and motivational interviewing to promote oral health. Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, the Dental Assistant helps create a positive and comfortable experience for patients in both clinical and school-based settings.Essential Functions:Prepares treatment rooms and patients for dental procedures, ensuring comfort and readiness.Assists dentists during procedures by sterilizing instruments, suctioning, and handling materials per Georgia law.Captures and processes radiographs; fabricate temporary restorations and clean removable appliances.Manages lab cases by preparing, documenting, and tracking dental models and prosthetics.Schedules patient appointments and support emergency preparedness through CPR certification and protocol adherence.Educates patients on oral hygiene, plaque control, and post-treatment care; apply fluoride treatments.Maintains accurate patient records and uphold confidentiality standards.Ensures a clean, safe, and compliant clinical environment through infection control and equipment maintenance.Monitors and replenishes dental supply inventory; troubleshoot and coordinate equipment repairs.Stays current with dental practices through continuing education and professional engagement.Supports team goals and performs additional duties as assigned.Qualifications:Education: High School Diploma or GED required.Experience: 3–5 years of equivalent experience in another state with eligibility for Georgia certification, and/or:Licensure & Certifications: Certification as an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant in the state of Georgia.Prior experience in a health center setting, including medical billing, insurance processing, and healthcare reimbursement, preferred.Familiarity with insurance verification processes and ability to communicate benefits clearly to patients and providers, preferred.Strong customer service orientation with excellent organizational and verbal communication skills.Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and resolve conflicts effectively.Proficiency in dental software systems with strong data entry capabilities.Excellent multitasking and time management skills to support efficient workflow.Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.Ability to perform under pressure and meet quality criteria.Ability to organize, multi-task, plan and set priorities with minimal supervision.Demonstrated cultural competence and ability to work effectively with diverse populations.Demonstrate poise, tact, and diplomacy with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and situations.Punctual work attendance, adhering to regular schedule unless approved by supervisor.Physical Demands:Ability to remain in a stationary position (standing or sitting) for extended periods while assisting with dental proceduresFrequently moves within the clinical environment to access equipment, supplies, and assist patients; may occasionally need to position self by bending, kneeling, or reaching.Regularly operates dental instruments and equipment requiring fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination.Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of objects up to twenty-five (25) pounds.Work Environment:The role is primarily performed in a standard dental clinic or school-based setting, which requires adherence to OSHA and infection control protocols.Frequent exposure to dental instruments, equipment, and materials, including potential contact with airborne particles, bodily fluids, and communicable diseases; use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.The environment is fast-paced and team-oriented, involving regular interaction with patients, dentists, hygienists, and administrative staff.Additional Duties:Additional duties and responsibilities may be added to this job description at any time. The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee holding this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related responsibilities as requested by their supervisor. #J-18808-Ljbffr