Dental Assistant

Location: Gene Wright Community Health Center

Schedule: (4 - 10 hours shift per week) No Weekends

Pay: Starting hourly rate $18.00 - goes up based on experience.

Health Partners of Western Ohio is an independent, non-profit and community‑directed organization. We serve low‑income areas and places without access to care. We’re led by a volunteer Board of Directors. Most of our board members are also patients. Our Mission is to eliminate gaps in health outcomes for all members of our community by providing access to quality, affordable, preventive and primary health care.

Join our Team!

We are seeking a friendly and highly motivated dental assistant to join our team. The ideal candidate will have the skill set to assist in direct patient care. This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a patient‑focused attitude. At least one year’s experience is preferred but not required. We will provide extensive in‑house training that will set you up for success!

Benefits Offered

• Insurance - Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability
• 403(b) Retirement with up to 8% match - Starts at 3% and increases with time of service
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off (PTO) – Accrued per pay
• Paid Holidays – 7 paid holidays
• Annual Reviews and Increases
• Tuition Reimbursement – Eligible after 2 years of service
• Training opportunities
• Eligible to apply for the Emerging Leaders Program after 1 year of service

Education / Certification

• High School Degree or GED Required.

Required Knowledge

• Successful completion of in‑house training.

Experience Required

• Computer experience desirable.
• HepB vaccination with proof of immunity or appropriate documentation from the Ohio State Dental Board to opt out.

Experience Recommended

• Dental assistant or equivalent clinical training: at least 1 year experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• CPR – BLS (basic life support) - Training provided
• State of Ohio Dental Radiographer License, required within 90 days of employment. - Training Provided

Skills / Abilities

• Patient interviewing skills.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Ability to maintain calendars and schedule appointments.
• Ability to educate patients and/or families as to the nature of disease and to provide instruction on proper care and treatment.
• Knowledge of inventory management practices.
• Knowledge of patient care charts and patient histories.
• Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements.
• Ability to lift 20-50 pounds.

Essential Functions and Basic Duties

• Prepares operatory for patient treatment with guidance from Dentist.
• Clean and disinfect operatory after patient treatment is completed.
• Assists with direct patient care procedures and related tasks; checks in patients, assists in obtaining patient histories, takes oral x‑rays, prepares charts, and assists with dental examinations.
• Assists dentist with routine specialized procedures under established protocols.
• Maintains stocks of medicines and dental supplies as necessary.
• Assists receptionist(s) with front office duties as necessary.
• Educates and advises patients on specified dental issues within established parameters.
• Sterilizes instruments according to procedure.
• Performs control procedures on all equipment to ensure equipment is functioning properly.
• Assists in maintenance of dental operatories and equipment.
• Schedules and monitors patient appointments; may coordinate routine office activities and administrative functions in support of unit activities.
• Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
• May participate in outreach clinical activities as required.
• May supervise student employees in specified tasks.
• Actively participates in Dental Quality Improvement Program.
• Follows all protocols, HIPAA, OSHA, safety, infection control, and biohazard standards while performing all duties.
• Actively participates in patient surveys and statistical data collection.
• Performs miscellaneous job‑related duties as assigned.
• Travels when necessary to meet operational needs.
• Provide services in office and throughout community in an outreach manner.
• May be responsible for driving HPWO vehicle to provide services.
• Employees to follow all policies and procedures regarding company vehicle.

Work Environment

Work demands sitting, walking, lifting, and bending. Those physical movements and the degree of mobility, manual dexterity and hand‑eye coordination normally associated with duties in an office setting will be performed on a repetitive basis. This also includes bending, twisting, reaching, lifting, pulling, pushing, and walking. The ability to distinguish letters and symbols as well as the ability to utilize telephones, computer terminals, fax machines, and copiers is required. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Working under stressful conditions, as well as irregular hours, may be required.