Dental Assistant

Empowering communities through accessible, inclusive, and compassionate care, this is the work we do every day.

At Jane Pauley Community Health Center, every role is connected to something bigger. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), we deliver integrated, whole-person care to individuals and families across Indiana, regardless of income or insurance status.

Our teams work at the intersection of clinical excellence and community impact, supporting underserved populations while building a culture rooted in collaboration, respect, and growth. Here, you are not just joining a workplace, you are becoming part of a mission that truly matters.

Summary:

Reporting directly to the Oral Health Senior Program Manager, the Dental Assistant performs a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. The DA works chair side making patients feel as comfortable as possible, prepare them for treatment, obtain their dental records and performs other services delegated by the supervising Dentist subject to and in accordance with the state dental board regulations. It is important for dental assistants to be familiar with and comply with OSHA, CDC, and HIPPA regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
• Assist the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures.
• Set up and breakdown operatory post treatment.
• Take, develop and mount dental radiographs (x-rays).
• Manage and complete infection control procedures - i.e. prepare and sterilize instruments and equipment.
• Provide patients with instructions for oral care following dental treatment procedures as applicable.
• Educates patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control, and postoperative instructions
• Perform various office tasks as necessary.
• Records treatment information on the patient's chart, including treatment rendered, the type of treatment planned and the amount of chair time, doctor time and assistant time needed for next appointment.
• Assists the doctor by passing instruments, aspirating intra-oral fluids, mixing materials and medicaments during examinations or treatment.
• Provides customer service support to patients by escorting them to and from the treatment room and prepping them for care by the doctor.
• prepares all treatment rooms including, but not limited to, set-up, decontamination, sterilization of all instruments, cleaning and restocking.
• Changes all chemical solutions, i.e., disinfectant soaks and sprays, sterilant, ultrasonic, presoak and X-ray processing
• Ensures lights, units, nitrous equipment and automatic processors are turned on prior to the first patient.
• Places and removes rubber dams.
• Follow properly issued instructions/directions regarding patient flow and manage the flow of patients to schedule/maximize the doctor's time if applicable.
• Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
• Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions.
• Troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques.

Supervisory Responsibilities
• N/A

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience
• Indiana Dental Radiographer License required.
• Certification in Basic Life Support from accredited entity.
• Graduate of an accredited dental assisting training program preferred.
• Three years of experience working as a Dental Assistant preferred.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to age of patients served.
• Demonstrated writing skills to effectively communicate with vendors, staff and other third parties.
• Ability to work with peers in a team situation, supervise and create a positive work environment for team members.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office (specifically Word and Excel), Electronic Medical and Health records, and other applications.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
• The employee is required to stand and walk.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Purpose-driven work that directly impacts access to care across our communities
• Robust benefits package (medical, dental, vision) designed to support you and your family
• Generous PTO because we believe caring for others starts with caring for yourself
• 401(k) with employer contribution to help you plan for what's ahead
• Life and disability coverage for peace of mind

Here, you are not just filling a role-you are helping shape healthier communities and advancing equitable care every day!