What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dental Assistant position at Douglas County Health Department?
Job description:
About DCHD:
Mission: To protect and promote healthier lifestyles through prevention and education.
As a certified health department, the Douglas County Health Department is responsible for several programs as well as many other public health services. Programs are grouped into divisions relating to either nursing, environmental health or health education. All programs have an educational component. The goal of this department is to increase the awareness and number of persons reached in this educational process.
Benefits:
- Earn one (1) hour of vacation per every forty (40) hours worked.
Status: Part-time, minimum 24 hours per week
Working hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Other days as needed
Salary: Nonexempt
Work Location: Onsite
Job Summary:
Dental Assistants are responsible for providing hands-on support to Dentists and completing prep work so they can more effectively and efficiently care for patients. The DA will be responsible for general clinic administrative work and maintenance.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Prepare examination rooms for appointments by sterilizing instruments, preparing tables and trays with necessary instruments.
- Prepare patients and ensure their comfort in dental chair.
- Ensure all necessary equipment is ready and available.
- Assist in procedures by handing instruments and anticipating their needs throughout the appointment.
- Assist dental hygienists with procedures when necessary.
- Front Desk/Administrative Support:
- Provide front desk coverage as needed, including scheduled coverage on Fridays and during staff absences or scheduled time off.
- Collaborate with the billing department to support administrative dental billing functions.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Regular predictable attendance is required.
- Ability to provide great patient care.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Consistently professional appearance and attitude.
- Bilingual preferred but not required.
Education and Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Previous experience preferred.
- Electronic Dental Records (EDR) experience.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
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 disability to perform the essential functions.
- DCHD is a smoke free and drug-free workplace in compliance with federal guidelines.
- Exposure to moderate noise levels.
- Frequent sitting, standing, moving.
- High paced environment.
The Douglas County Health Department is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We embrace and encourage our employees' differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique.
Our employment practices are rooted in our dedication to equal opportunity for all individuals. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
All employment decisions at the Douglas County Health Department are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to the above-listed characteristics. We provide a work environment free of harassment and retaliation and ensure compliance with all applicable laws that protect the rights of applicants and employees.
If you require assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability, please contact the Human Resources Department at 217-253-4137 x1207. Our policies reflect and affirm the department's commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory practices.
Douglas County Health Department actively promotes equal opportunity and stands against any form of discrimination, ensuring a diverse, inclusive, and supportive work environment.