Dental Assistant

Welcome to Cherry Health - video about Cherry Health Job Description Summary: The Dental Assistant provides essential support in performing chair-side four-handed dentistry to ensure quality care and treatment for patients. This position involves assisting the dentist with patient procedures, preparing treatment areas, sterilizing instruments, and maintaining a safe, aseptic environment. The Dental Assistant is also responsible for taking x-rays, preparing materials, and educating patients on oral hygiene. Adherence to organizational policies, ethical standards, and the mission is a key expectation. Schedule is typically Monday -Friday between 8am and 6:30pm, with a Saturday rotation from 9am to 12pm. Travel to other Cherry Health sites may be required. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES General Clinical Duties (DA & RDA) Prepare operatory rooms and instruments for dental procedures. Assist the dentist during exams, fillings, extractions, crowns, and other procedures. Take and process dental radiographs (X-rays). Ensure strict compliance with sterilization and infection control guidelines. Adhere to PPE and safety protocols at all times. Comfort and educate patients before, during, and after treatment. Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records. Provide oral hygiene and post‑op instructions to patients. Support front desk operations as needed, including scheduling and confirming appointments. Taking and recording patient vital signs as needed. i.e Blood Pressure, Glucose. May be required to translate other languages if applicable. Other duties as assigned. Expanded Functions (RDA Only – as allowed under Michigan law) Place and carve amalgam restorations. Place and finish composite restorations. Perform coronal polishing. Take final impressions for fixed and removable appliances. Apply pit and fissure sealants. Place temporary crowns and bridges. Place bases and liners. Use matrix bands and wedges. Take preliminary impressions for diagnostic models. Applying sealants and fluoride. Remove excess cement from supragingival surfaces. Polish teeth before a procedure that requires acid etching. Replace existing temporary restorations, crowns, and bridges. Cement and remove temporary crowns. Remove sutures. Place, condense, and carve amalgam restorations. Place Class I bonded restorations, occlusal adjustment, finish, and polish with non‑tissue cutting rotary hand pieces. Take final impressions for indirect restorations. Assist and monitor of N2O (upon course completion). Perform pulp vitality testing. Place and remove matrices and wedges, rubber dams, and norepinephrine retraction cord. Apply cavity liners and bases. Apply desensitizing agents. Take impressions for mouth guards and bite splints. Dry endodontic canals with absorbent points. Under the direction of the Dentist and after attending all required hospital orientation, a dental assistant may assist the Dentist in dental procedures performed in a hospital operating room. Specific duties would be similar to those performed in the clinic setting. SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE / ABILITIES Basic Life Support/CPR training according to requirements of license and/or certification. Promotes and believes in NHSI mission statement “Health for All”. Ability to relate to the public regardless of ethnic, religion and economic status. Ability to work in a team environment. CSHS reserves the right to assign a different location(s) dependent upon business necessity. KEY VALUES Customer Service Collaboration Integrity Respect Professionalism Learning EDUCATION / LICENSES / CERTIFICATES Required (DA or RDA): High school diploma or equivalent. Graduate of an accredited dental assisting program or equivalent experience. Current CPR/BLS certification. Radiography certification (as required by Michigan law). Yearly internal skills assessment required. Additional for RDA candidates: Current Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license from the Michigan Board of Dentistry. Completion of expanded functions training approved by the state. Proof of passing the Michigan RDA exam and jurisprudence exam. EXPERIENCE Previous dental chair side experience preferred. Experience with dental practice software. Excellent chairside manner and patient communication. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Ability to multitask and stay calm under pressure. Professionalism and a positive, team‑oriented attitude. Pass yearly skill assessment. WORKING CONDITIONS The essential functions of this position must be able to be accomplished with or without accommodations. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Client/Patient population served Pediatrics, Adolescents, Adults, Geriatrics. Who we are Cherry Health, Michigan’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), operates in six counties across the state, is based in Grand Rapids. With a team of more than 800 health care professionals at 20 locations, Cherry Health focuses on removing barriers, expanding access, and delivering comprehensive quality health care services to underserved communities, regardless of an individual’s insurance status or ability to pay. We provide primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy services, substance abuse services, residential re‑entry services, school‑based health centers and more. Our Mission Cherry Health improves the health and wellness of individuals by providing comprehensive primary and behavioral health care while encouraging access by those who are underserved. Our Vision Our community will be healthier because we will seek out and welcome those who need our services. All will be treated as family with integrated, coordinated care to improve health and personal well‑being. Our Values Collaboration – Support the Cherry Health mission by encouraging teamwork to accomplish organizational goals. Customer Service – Serve internal and external customers in a welcoming manner with compassionate care. Innovation – Embrace creativity to improve patient care and workplace efficiency while remaining curious and open to learning. Integrity – Uphold the highest ethical standards by being honest and trustworthy. Professionalism – Create a positive work environment where we care accountable for our decision, our action and the results. Benefits Loan repayment through the NHSC and Michigan State Loan Repayment Program for select roles. Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your family. Generous Paid Time Off benefit – 4 weeks per year for full time. Paid holidays - 8 full day paid holidays (Including Black Friday!) and 2 half day paid holidays! 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with generous employer match - $ for $ match up to 5% MET and MESP 529 Savings Plans. Pet Insurance! Employee Assistance Program. Our policy is to offer all employees and applicants for employment equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, or any other protected category. #J-18808-Ljbffr