Dental Assistant I

Summary/Objective 

The Dental Assistant I is responsible for assisting the dentist(s) and dental hygienist(s) in the direct provision of primary care dental services to patients of NorthShore Health Centers. The assistant performs patient intakes and is responsible for sterilization of instruments, cleaning and preparing operatories.  In addition, the Dental Assistant I assist in maintaining inventory control of dental instruments and supplies. 

Essential Functions 

• Answer patient’s inquiries (on phone or in person), receives and seats patients, and prepares patient for exam/procedure. 

• Dismisses patients, assisting them from office and procedure room, enters services rendered on patients’ records. 

• Recording treatment information in electronic patient records. 

• Arranges equipment, pre-tray setups, dental materials and supplies. 

• Provide assistance during dental procedures by transferring instruments, manipulating dental materials, retracting and evacuating oral cavity. 

• Perform simple laboratory procedures (such as pouring impressions, sterilizing instruments, fabricating acrylic impression trays, fabricating temporary crowns/bridges). 

• Assist lead in the ordering, stocking, taking inventory, distribution of supplies, ensures supplies and equipment are clean and put away after use. 

• Communicate directly with patients; communicates in an appropriate and positive manner to guide and re-assure patients, as well as supports the patient care mission of the organization. 

*These essential functions are a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the position and are not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all duties and responsibilities.  The position will include other duties as assigned, and duties are subject to change at management's discretion. 

Competencies 

• Planning and strategic foresight 

• Responsible Decision Making 

• Integrity and accountability 

• Innovation and creativity 

• Adaptive and flexible 

• Leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution 

• Professionalism and work ethic 

• Empathy 

Work Environment 

Work is performed in an office environment. Involves frequent personal and telephone contact with patients, physicians, and other healthcare personnel. Work may be stressful at times. Interaction with others is constant and interruptive.  

Travel 

Travel within Northshore locations will be frequent for this position. Travel outside of Northshore locations will be rare for this position. 

Required Role Qualifications 

• High School Diploma, Transcripts, or Equivalent  

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certified within 2 weeks of hire  
   
   

Preferred Role Qualifications 

• Formal training as a dental assistant 

• Two years of experience working within a healthcare setting 

Required Skills 

• Ability to analyze situations and solve problems at strategic and tactical levels  

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills 

• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies 

• Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of the organization's hierarchy, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and the administrative practices related to those factors 

• Practiced at organization and planning 

• Employ Critical thinking and problem solving 

• Maintains composure and operates with emotional intelligence 

• Ethical reasoning and decision-making 

• Strong attention to detail 

• Receptive and responsive to feedback 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 

• Time management, prioritization, and sense of urgency 

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software