Dental Assistant

A Dental Assistant Float, as part of the VVHC dental team, enables the dentists to provide efficient, high-quality care, and assists the entire team with patient care, office, and laboratory duties. This position will report as needed to multiple site locations as directed. The Dental Assistant influences the efficiency and productivity of patient flow through timely, accurate, and professional preparation of patients and patient information, while striving to maintain excellent patient relations, ensuring patients are well cared for, happy, and satisfied.

Functional Area: Patient Care/Operational Excellence (Estimated Effort: 75%)
Deliverables, Outcomes, and Expectations:

• Ensure all patients enjoy a positive experience and are treated with care and compassion.

• Coordinate patient flow with dental and patient access staff.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and clinic policies.

• Prepare and maintain dental materials, supplies, and instruments.

• Disinfect and sterilize instruments and handpieces per CDC/clinic policy.

• Assist dentist chairside using 4-handed dentistry technique.

• Aid in diagnostic exams, procedures, and surgical interventions.

• Collect and record health information and vital signs.

• Document dental services in patient records.

• Clean and disinfect the dental clinic and equipment following OSHA, CDC, and clinic regulations.

• Maintain and operate equipment such as radiographic tools, sterilizers, and more.

• Stock and manage dental supplies.

• Educate patients on oral hygiene and post-op care.

• Follow through with post-visit responsibilities.

Functional Area: Administrative/Clerical Tasks (Estimated Effort: 15%)
Deliverables, Outcomes, and Expectations:

• Participate in daily morning huddles.

• Complete internal/external referrals and coordinate care.

• Assist with phone triage and identify emergencies.

• Maintain physical condition of clinic and instruments.

• Prepare treatment plans and cost estimates.

• Handle insurance pre-authorizations.

• Manage outgoing lab work and patient follow-up.

• Maintain patient confidentiality.

Functional Area: Service and Other Responsibilities (Estimated Effort: 10%)
Deliverables, Outcomes, and Expectations:

• Serve on committees, workgroups, or service teams within VVHC and CAC.

• Promote oral health and demonstrate commitment to the organization’s mission.

Minimum Requirements

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience:

• Preference given to those with dental or healthcare experience.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Current Dental Assistant Radiographer’s Certificate (Ohio State Dental Board).

• Current certified dental assistant (DANB, AMT, or CODA).

• CPR and AED certification (American Heart Association).

• Current Valid Driver License

Direct Patient Care Requirements

• Verification of license/certification/registration.

• Proof of education and training.

• OIG query completion.

• Fit for duty verification.

• Three professional references.

• Current BLS/CPR certification.

• Proof of Hepatitis B immunity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with electronic dental records and digital radiography.

• Certification in minimal sedation (N2O-O2) monitoring.

Working Conditions

• Clinic setting with travel between clinics as directed.

• Fast-paced work environment.

• Requires sitting, hand use, reaching, talking, and hearing.

• Occasional standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.

• Close vision required.

• Must lift/move up to 10 lbs regularly and up to 25 lbs occasionally.

• Strong verbal and written communication required. English proficiency necessary.