Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant

The Dental Assistant supports the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered oral healthcare by assisting dentists during clinical procedures, preparing patients and treatment areas, obtaining diagnostic information, maintaining infection control standards, and ensuring the efficient operation of the dental clinic. This position performs chairside assisting duties, radiographic procedures, instrument sterilization, patient education, and clinical documentation while promoting a safe, welcoming, and professional environment. The Dental Assistant works collaboratively with dentists, hygienists, and other healthcare professionals to provide exceptional care, maintain regulatory compliance, and advance Kinston Community Health Center's mission of improving the health of the communities it serves.

Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Diploma/Certificate of Dental Assisting

Certifications & Licenses:

• Maintain a current BLS certification.
• Certified Dental Assistant preferred.
• Current X-ray certification.
• Certification in infection control.
• Certification in office emergencies.

Experience:

• 1-3 years of chairside experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of chairside dental assisting techniques, four-handed dentistry, dental terminology, anatomy, infection prevention and control practices, sterilization procedures, OSHA, CDC, HIPAA, and standard dental office operations.
• Knowledge of dental instruments, equipment, materials, and radiographic principles and safety standards, as applicable.
• Ability to learn and effectively utilize electronic health record (EHR) systems, dental practice management software, and other healthcare technologies.
• Proficiency in or ability to quickly learn the Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and other standard office software.
• Strong organizational, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to accurately document patient information while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with organizational policies.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion in all patient and workplace interactions.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and quality.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, providers, coworkers, and external partners.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, workflows, and organizational needs.
• Ability to remain calm and effective during stressful or emergency situations.
• Commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care and exceptional customer service.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and continuously learn new procedures, technologies, and organizational processes.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. Ability to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish is strongly preferred to support patient care and enhance communication with a diverse patient population.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct patient interviews to obtain medical history and chief complaint.
• Prepare patients for examination and perform routine X-rays, polishing, and sealants as needed.
• Assist the dentist with examinations and minor office procedures.
• Perform expanded chairside dental assisting functions in accordance with credentials and the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners regulations.
• Manage time and prioritize tasks to maintain efficient clinical workflow.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and HIPAA guidelines in all clinical areas.
• Complete dental charting, clinical notes, and accurately enter applicable dental codes in the Electronic Dental Record (EDR).
• Provide oral hygiene education to patients individually and in groups, when appropriate.
• Maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and effectively utilize CPR skills when required.
• Maintain exam rooms by stocking necessary supplies and equipment.
• Dispose of biohazard waste and contaminated supplies in accordance with OSHA standards.
• Properly sterilize instruments as needed.
• Schedule patient appointments.
• Respond promptly to electronic record inbox messages and tasks, including phone calls, medication requests, and appointment-related requests.
• Track and schedule dental lab cases.
• Interact respectfully and effectively with individuals of diverse racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.
• Maintain a professional appearance, demeanor, and commitment to service.
• Adhere to all federal HIPAA regulations and KCHC employee policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Must be able and comfortable working in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, clinical environments and office spaces.
• Must be able to work nights and weekends as departmental needs arise.

Core Competencies

• Communication: Demonstrates strong verbal, written, and digital communication skills; able to clearly explain complex information.
• Judgment & Decision-Making: Provides thoughtful input into operational and program decisions.
• Accountability & Self-Management: Works independently and efficiently, managing multiple responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Builds effective working relationships across teams, departments, and the community.
• Problem-Solving & Initiative: Applies critical thinking and initiative to resolve issues and improve service delivery.

Service Delivery Expectations

• Demonstrates compassion and respect in all interactions, treating patients, community members, and colleagues with dignity and cultural sensitivity.
• Supports the organization's mission to improve the health of our communities by helping ensure services, information, and resources are accessible to those we serve.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with diverse populations while actively listening and responding to community needs.
• Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information with professionalism and integrity.
• Upholds organizational standards, policies, and procedures while promoting high-quality service and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates accountability and stewardship by managing time effectively, prioritizing responsibilities, and meeting deadlines.
• Shows awareness of the community served and supports initiatives that improve access to care and health education.
• Projects a professional image and collaborates with colleagues, providing guidance or leadership when coordinating activities or supporting team efforts.
• Maintains compliance with HIPAA and patient confidentiality requirements.
• Follows workplace safety standards and infection control policies when present in clinical environments.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking while assisting providers and caring for patients.
• Frequent sitting as needed to complete documentation, prepare treatment areas, and perform administrative tasks.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for fine motor movements, including handling dental instruments, equipment, materials, and computer systems.
• Requires close visual acuity to assist with dental procedures, distinguish fine details, read charts and radiographs, and prepare documentation.
• Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, stooping, kneeling, and positioning to assist providers and patients during treatment.
• Ability to move throughout clinical and office areas to prepare treatment rooms, retrieve supplies, and support patient care.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling supplies, equipment, and materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to assist patients with positioning and safely transfer or support patients, as appropriate.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to perform chairside assisting, instrument transfer, sterilization procedures, radiographic duties (as applicable), and operation of dental equipment.
• Ability to safely operate dental equipment, sterilization equipment, and other clinical devices.
• Ability to see, hear, and speak clearly to communicate with patients and team members, assess patient needs, and respond promptly to clinical situations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced clinical environment while maintaining attention to detail and infection control standards.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (