Dental Assistant

About Harrington Family Health Center

Harrington Family Health Center (HFHC) is a vital community health provider committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care to the residents of Downeast Maine. Our facility offers a range of medical, dental, and behavioral health services, embodying a mission to improve community wellness through exceptional patient care. HFHC provides comprehensive services in family medicine, podiatry, behavioral health, and dental care.

Role Overview

As a Dental Assistant, your role will be vital in assisting the Dentists to provide a high level of quality care to individuals in Downeast Maine. You will work closely with our dental team which includes two Dentists, a Dental Hygienist, and other Dental Assistants to complete appropriate sterilization practices and provide competent assistance to the Dentists. You will be expected to prepare treatment rooms with appropriate equipment, sterilize equipment and treatment rooms, and provide a good patient experience which includes familiarizing the patient with the aspects of their dental visits, and providing support and compassion to each patient throughout their visit.

A successful candidate for this role will be detail-oriented, team-focused, and dedicated to enhancing the patient experience at Harrington Family Health Center.

Key Responsibilities
• Patient Vital Signs and Chairside Assisting for all dental procedures offered at HFHC Dental.

o Provide compassionate, high-quality care by effectively communicating with patients to ensure the dental team and each patient have a mutual understanding of the reason for the visit.

o Review patient health history and make chart entries under the direction of the Dentist and assure that patients complete all forms and signature requirements prior to treatment.

o Disinfect treatment rooms, Sterilize dental instruments, and properly dispose of biohazardous materials to maintain a safe, clean environment. Adhere to the standards set by OSHA and comply with universal precautions to limit exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens.

o Take quality radiographs (if licensed in the State of Maine) to assure the highest degree of diagnostic information with the least amount of exposure in compliance with State and Federal safety standards.

o Engage in regularly scheduled preventive maintenance of dental equipment.
• Professional Collaboration

o Work closely with the dental team to ensure thorough and comprehensive patient care.

o Participate in interdisciplinary education and supervision to enhance team knowledge and collaboration.

Administrative Duties

o Update electronic medical records (EMR) to ensure patient dental and health information is accurate and current and enter any updates for dental treatments/procedures that were completed.

o Maintain strict HIPAA Compliance and adhere to all patient health information privacy regulations.

Qualifications

o Certified Dental Assistant certification, with Maine State Radiology License, preferred but will train the right candidate.

o BLS Certification preferred.

o Radiography Certification preferred.

o Provide compassionate and helpful assistance to patients, addressing their questions regarding good dental care practices and any concerns regarding treatment plans.

o Ensure that all interactions contribute to a positive and efficient patient experience.

o Positive team-oriented individual with great attention to patient care and professional duties.

Education Requirements

o A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required.

o Certified Dental Assistant certification preferred.

o Radiography certification preferred.

Experience

o Preferred: 1 year of experience as dental assistant in an outpatient setting.

o Experience with EMR systems: 1 year preferred.

o Previous experience working with members of the community is highly valued.

Skills

o Knowledge of dental terminology is preferred.

o Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

o Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively listen to and support patient needs.

o Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Job Type
• Full-time
• Monday through Thursday, with Thursday being a 12-hour day.

Compensation
• $16-18 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Benefits
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Dental Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Vision Insurance
• Employer paid life insurance for up to 1x employee's annual salary
• Short-term and long-term disability plan options

Work Setting
• In-person
• Outpatient

Why Join Us?

Apply today to make a difference in the lives of those we serve while advancing your career in a dynamic and impactful role at HFHC!