Dental Assistant

Dental AssistantSalary for this Position: $19.00 - $22.00/Hour *All Pay Rates are subject to Experience, License or Certification and Location*Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center is one of the largest community health centers in Massachusetts serving Worcester, Framingham, Milford and the surrounding communities. We are a thriving and growing organization, and our team is expanding across sites to support this growth.We are currently hiring a Dental Assistant based in Worcester MA. The Dental Assistant will assist and collaborate with the Dentist in the delivery of dental care using aseptic techniques and following standards of infection control. As part of the team-based approach to care, the Dental Assistant I will participate in coordinating care for individual patients, will support patients and families in self-management, will engage in health center projects that are aimed at specific patient population needs, and will utilize effective and appropriate communication strategies, such as health literacy approaches when working with patients.As an employer of choice, our inclusive workplace environment fosters teamwork, accountability and respect and supports the growth and development of each employee. We are an equal opportunity employer and embrace the richness of the diversity of our staff and community. You are a good fit for our team if you're passionate about helping people live healthier lives and enjoy working in a supportive, team-based environment.Essential FunctionsVerifies patient markers to determine that the correct patient is present for the dental appointment/procedureAdequately exposes and processes radiographs, ensuring diagnostic qualityAdequately prepares the dental treatment room prior to each procedure, with full compliance in infection control protocols and guidelinesProcesses instruments, including disinfection, sterilization, and monitoring of sterilization dates. Maintains proper care of dental equipment according to manufacturer's guidelines, and performs maintenance according to schedules set up by the Dental DepartmentConducts spore testing and documents to insure proper autoclave function and sterilization of instrumentsMaintains the log/schedule for dental office equipment maintenance according to the protocols set up in the Dental Department, and participates in the timely maintenance of this equipment on a daily, weekly, or biweekly schedule depending on the parameters set up by the departmentDemonstrates competency in four handed dentistryMaintains inventory supply control, tracking supply usage and recording low levels of supplies, and communicating this inventory with the Purchasing CoordinatorMaintains confidentiality with patient information, complying with Health Center policies, HIPPA regulations, and Joint Commission standardsEnsures proper documentation, including, but not limited to, consents and medical histories, is presented to the patient by procedure and subsequently processes these documents by scanning them into the dental recordRecords vital signs on all first time visits and before other procedures outlined by the Dental DepartmentDemonstrates competency in performing minor laboratory procedures such as taking initial impressions and pouring up stone modelsResponsible for tracking lab cases; inputting departure and arrival dates, and logging other pertinent information that supports compliance to department protocolsEducation and ExperienceMA state dental assistant licenseCPR/BLSRadiology certificateOSHA/Infection control trainingHas met all continuing education requirements for dental licensure.Benefits:Competitive salary based on related experienceMedical insurance starts on first day of employment. Includes coverage for all individuals and most family types.Generous time off packagesDental and Vision insurance403b Retirement Plan with employer matchFlexible Spending AccountsEmployee Assistance Program