Dental Assistant - 32 Hours Per Week - Ames Clinic

Job Description

Job Description

As a Dental Assistant, you will provide quality care and services to patients by assisting dentists and staff in a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties in accordance with all policies, procedures and regulations.  You will impact the efficiency and productivity of patient flow through timely, accurate and professional preparation of patients and patient information. 

This position typically works at our Story County Dental Clinic in Ames and is scheduled 32 hours per week, Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM with Tuesday/Wednesday off.  Our team members are occasionally needed to cover other shifts or to work at other PHC clinics. Mileage reimbursement and/or an out of town travel bonus may apply. 

Candidates with Expanded Functions Level I training may be considered for this position and are eligible for a higher pay range. 

What You Will Do

1. Facilitates positive patient experiences in the dental clinic while ensuring efficient and productive patient flow. 
   • Prepares operatory procedure set up and materials for patient visit. 
   • Greets and establishes rapport with patient, ensuring patient is treated with care and compassion throughout visit. 
   • Collects and records patient blood pressure, pulse, and health history.
   • Collects and submits all patient services and billing information.
   • Assists the care provider and supports the patient in the provision of optimal comprehensive care, before, during and after procedures.
   • Completes dental x-rays in compliance with regulatory codes.
   • Minimizes risk of radiation exposure to employees and patients applying proper procedures.
   • Supports laboratory by pouring and trimming study models. 
   • Performs direct patient care as delegated by the dentist. 
   • Instructs patients and family members on general oral health care and information related to post-treatment care. 
   • Ensures services and patient education aligned with patient’s age and physical, psychosocial, educational, safety and cultural needs.
2. Prepares and maintains dental instruments, materials, and equipment. Maintains documents for equipment maintenance as well as instrument and supply inventory. 
3. Performs pre-cleaning and transport of contaminated instruments and may perform sterile processing of instruments as assigned.
4. Completes and maintains patient records and related documents in compliance with all regulations. 
5. Provides backup support for the front desk staff as needed.

Qualifications You Need to Bring

• Completion of accredited dental assisting program or equivalent training meeting Iowa Dental Board requirements.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn different software and database systems.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills. 
• Detail oriented with high degree of accuracy. 
• Demonstrates professionalism with ability to remain calm in all situations and show empathy.
• Licenses & Certifications:
  • Current QDA Registration through the Iowa Dental Board
  • *Mandatory Reporter Training: Child and Dependent Adult Abuse recognized by the Iowa
  • *Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers Certification