Dental Assistant

Position Summary

The Dental Assistant provides clinical and administrative support to dentists and the dental care team to ensure the delivery of safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care. This position assists with patient preparation, chairside procedures, radiographs, infection prevention, patient education, and operatory maintenance while promoting a positive patient experience. The Dental Assistant plays an important role in supporting the mission of Health Care Partners of South Carolina by providing compassionate, patient-centered oral healthcare to the communities we serve.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, equipment, and materials for patient care and dental procedures.
• Welcome, prepare, and assist patients before, during, and after dental treatment to promote a comfortable and positive experience.
• Assist dentists during examinations, restorative procedures, oral surgery, extractions, endodontic, pediatric, and other dental procedures.
• Obtain and process dental radiographs in accordance with provider orders and applicable safety standards.
• Record and update patient medical and dental histories, vital signs when appropriate, and other clinical information in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Provide patient education regarding oral hygiene, preventive care, post-operative instructions, and treatment recommendations.
• Perform chairside and laboratory duties, including taking impressions, pouring models, and preparing dental materials as permitted by state regulations.
• Clean, disinfect, sterilize, and maintain dental instruments, equipment, operatories, and treatment areas in accordance with OSHA, CDC, and infection prevention guidelines.
• Monitor dental supplies, instruments, and equipment, reporting maintenance needs and assisting with inventory management and ordering.
• Assist with appointment scheduling, patient follow-up, referrals, and other administrative tasks as needed.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient care and clinical activities in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Maintain patient confidentiality and protect health information in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Participate in required trainings, staff meetings, continuing education, and organizational quality improvement initiatives.
• Travel between Health Care Partners of South Carolina dental locations as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Current Dental Assistant certification as required by the State of South Carolina.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience as a Dental Assistant in a dental office, community health center, or similar clinical setting preferred.
• Experience working in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) preferred.
• Experience using Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of dental assisting principles, chairside procedures, radiography, sterilization techniques, and infection prevention practices.
• Knowledge of OSHA, CDC infection prevention guidelines, and HIPAA regulations.
• Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills with a commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Proficiency in Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems and Microsoft Office.

Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and establish positive working relationships with patients, providers, and coworkers.