Dental Assistant

Howard Brown Health Dental Assistant I

Howard Brown Health is a nationally recognized leader in LGBTQ+ health and wellness. Our commitment to inclusive and affirming care has made us a cornerstone of the Chicago community. At Howard Brown, we believe in providing holistic, patient-centered care that empowers individuals and enriches lives.

What is in it for you:

• A commitment to work-life balance with:
  • 3-weeks paid vacation and 1-week of personal time
  • 12 accrued sick days per year
  • 9 paid holidays, including Juneteenth
  • PTO Exchange allows employees to turn unused PTO into liquid assets
• Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance with two PPO plans and an HMO plan.
  • BCBS HMO, PPO, and PPO Select Plans
  • EyeMed Vision premium
• 401k program with up to 5% employer match after 90 days
• Employer-paid basic life insurance valued at one times the annual salary
• Voluntary Life and AD&D, and Short-term and Long-term disability
• Up to $720 pre-tax commuter and parking benefit account
• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care
• Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Forgiveness Programs; NHSC & PSLF
• Employee Assistance Program with 5 employer-paid counseling sessions
• 50% off at Brown Elephant Resale Shops and discounts at local businesses

What you can expect:

Pay: $20.00/hour

How you will make an impact:

Position Summary: Reporting to the Dental Hygiene Manager and under the supervision of a licensed Dentist, the Dental Assistant I will carry out fundamental and supportive dental procedures. Following the completion of on-the-job training, responsibilities include exposing, processing, and assessing dental radiographs, as well as implementing infection control and occupational safety measures. Conducts financial assessments, manages, and directs phone calls, schedules and confirm patient appointments and changes as necessary. Leverages industry knowledge and best practices to promote the mission and vision of Howard Brown Health as well as supports culture enhancement and management efforts.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Services and Procedures:

• Sterilizes and disinfects dental instruments and equipment in accordance with established infection control protocols.
• Exposes, processes, and assesses dental radiographs for diagnostic purposes.
• Removes loose, broken, or irritating orthodontic appliances on a patient of record for the purpose of eliminating pain or discomfort.
• Ensures that all instruments are properly maintained, organized, and ready for use.
• Sets up instrument trays for various dental procedures, ensuring that all necessary tools and materials are readily available for the dentist.
• Prepares patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and draping patient.
• Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply, and emergency telephone directory.
• Takes and records medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.

Administrative Duties / Patient-Centered Services/Electronic Health Record Maintenance:

• Records treatment information in patient records.
• Schedules appointments, maintain records, manually or using computer.
• Maintains an organized and well-stocked dental operatory to facilitate efficient workflow during dental procedures.
• Provides information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests.
• Safeguards confidentiality of the medical charts/records and complies with all local, state, and federal laws pertaining to medical records.
• Participates in all required team meetings and continuing education in-services.
• Participates in emergency preparedness plan as dictated by the policy and procedures.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Current BLS/CPR certification for Healthcare Providers.
• Minimum one (1) year of customer service required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (K/S/A):

• Proven self-awareness and effective time management skills, particularly during high-traffic periods.
• Competent in maintaining cordial and professional relationships with dentists, colleagues, and patients.
• Demonstrated exceptional attention to detail in maintaining accurate and current information.
• Well-versed in dental procedures with the ability to clearly explain them to patients.
• Ability to work affirmatively with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and HIV+ patients.

ADA Specifications:

• Requires ability to speak audibly and listen actively.
• Requires ability to use computers, telephones, and other office equipment.
• Requires ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• May require periodic travel.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Decisions and criteria governing the employment relationship with all employees at Howard Brown are made in a non-discriminatory manner, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, age, FMLA status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful by federal, state or local statutes.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.