Dental Assistant I

The Dental Assistant provides clinical and administrative support to dental providers in the delivery of patient care. This role supports efficient dental operations by assisting during procedures, preparing treatment areas, and ensuring a safe, organized, and patient-centered environment. The Dental Assistant may support care across multiple sites, including community-based and school-based settings, based on operational needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:· Prepares and maintains dental operatories, including sterilization and disinfection of instruments using autoclave and approved methods.· Sets up instrument trays and prepares materials required for dental procedures.· Ensures exam rooms are stocked, organized, and maintained in a clean and professional manner.· Assists dental providers during examinations and procedures, including instrument transfer, suctioning, and maintaining a clear operative field.· Prepares patients for treatment and supports patient comfort throughout procedures.· Takes and processes dental radiographs in accordance with certification and safety protocols.· Collects and records patient medical and dental histories and ensures charts and documentation are up to date.· Provides patient education on oral hygiene, plaque control, and postoperative care as directed by the dental provider.· Supports patient flow, including intake, preparation, discharge processes, and walk-out notes.· Assists with impressions, pours models, and prepares laboratory cases with appropriate documentation and scanning.· Supports scanning and documentation processes within the patient record.· Coordinates referrals for off-site services and documents next steps for patient care continuity.· Maintains infection control standards in compliance with OSHA, ADA, and organizational policies.· Assists with operatory and supply organization while conserving materials appropriately.· Attends departmental meetings and trainings as required.· Provides support across all dental locations, including school-based settings as needed.· Performs Expanded Function duties only if properly certified and authorized in accordance with Pennsylvania state law.· Performs additional duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS:· Knowledge of dental assisting procedures, instruments, and infection control standards.· Basic understanding of dental terminology and clinical workflows.· Ability to maintain accurate documentation and perform basic computer and data entry tasks.· Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with diverse patient populations.· Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced clinical environment.· Organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize tasks effectively.
MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCEEducation & Certifications· Completion of an accredited Dental Assistant program required.· Dental Radiography (X-Ray) certification required.· CPR certification required or ability to obtain certification within six (6) months of hire.· Ability to obtain required clearances, including child abuse clearance.
Experience· Minimum of one (1) year of dental assisting experience preferred.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:· Ability to work in community-based and school-based environments.· Maintain continuing education credits as required by the State Board.· Ability to perform moderate physical activity, including lifting up to 25 pounds and prolonged standing or walking.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:Hamilton Health Clinic is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse work environment where all employees are valued, respected, and have the opportunity to succeed. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. LANGUAGE SKILLSAbility to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively with co-workers, internal and external customers, and outside contractors and vendors.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLSAbility to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
REASONING SKILLSAbility to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/MOTOR COORDINATIONRequires hand-eye coordination; finger dexterity, and a combination of sitting, standing, climbing, stooping, balancing, kneeling, reaching, carrying, pushing, pulling, lifting (up to 15 pounds). Must be able to write, type, use telephone and computer systems, and other office equipment. May require sitting or standing for long periods of time.
WORK ENVIRONMENTExposure to routine medical office/health clinic conditions as well as adverse environmental conditions such as dust, temperature and noise extremes, etc. May be exposed to infectious or contagious disease.
This job description is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with this position. While intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to review and change this description as needed to maintain business goals and accomplishments. Job descriptions are reviewed periodically. This job description is not a contract.