What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dental Assistant position at PHMC?
PHMC serves as both a direct service provider to individuals, families, and communities across the region and as an intermediary agent — managing large-scale contracts, government and philanthropic partnerships, and multidisciplinary initiatives that require operational sophistication, strategic leadership, and deep mission alignment.
Summary Job Description:
Under the supervision of a Dentist, the Dental Assistant supports the dentist in the provision of high-quality care within the scope of service consistent with accepted standards of care for dental assistants.
Responsibilities:
- Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies, and equipment.
- Prepares the operatory for the patient visit.
- Seat the patient in a chair and explain the procedures to be performed.
- Collects and records patient health histories.
- Drapes patient with protective linens; sets up instrument tray with required supplies.
- Prepares dental materials, cements, amalgams, composites, impression materials, etc.
- Takes radiographs using conventional or digital technology and follows radiation safety precautions.
- Assists with dental charting.
- Assists in the prevention and management of dental emergencies.
- Manages the patient during dental procedures.
- Provides active chairside assistance; transfers instruments as appropriate for four-handed dentistry.
- Place and contour amalgam and other restorative materials.
- perform coronal polishing.
- perform fluoride treatments, including fluoride varnish.
- Takes impressions for study casts, athletic mouth guards, and a custom tray.
- Performs laboratory procedures, including the pouring and trimming of models; polishing dental prosthetics, and making vac-u-press forms.
- At the conclusion of the procedure, follow proper infection control protocols and prepare the operatory for the next patient.
- Help manage the dental office’s infection control plan to meet all regulatory requirements.
- Monitors and documents the flow of laboratory cases; maintains the lab facility.
- Performs, monitors, and records all sterilization activities.
- Maintains proper aseptic techniques necessary with dental equipment; maintains and properly sterilizes instruments.
- Routinely cleans, disinfects, and restocks operatories.
- Helps manage patient flow.
- Maintains the inventory of supplies and reorders as necessary.
- Track and verify invoices.
- Translate dental treatment, after care, and answer questions in English and Spanish from doctor to patient.
- Performs duties within the dental program as assigned.
Skills:
- Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines
- Ability to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet regulatory requirements
- Maintains and expands the current level of dental assistant skill and knowledge by periodically attending continuing education programs
- Ability to effectively communicate, translate, read, and write in Spanish is preferred.
EXPERIENCE:
- Experience as a dental assistant preferred.
- Spanish language proficiency preferred.
- Experience in a community health environment serving uninsured or underinsured patients is preferred.
EDUCATION:
- High school diploma or GED.
- CPR/BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required
- A National DANB Radiation and Safety exam Certificate of Completion is required.
- Certification in Dental Assisting is required.
PHMC is an EOE and an E-Verify Employer