Dental Assistant I

Description

*This position will be expected to work at our Pittsburg, KS dental site until the Baxter Springs Dental Clinic is open. Tentative opening date of August 2026. 

CORE VALUES

The core values of Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) are dignity and stewardship. Each staff member is expected to perform their job duties in a way that preserves dignity for our patients and maintains good stewardship of the Center's resources. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This position is part of the dental team. This position is responsible for assisting the Dentist and Dental Hygienist in the direct provision of primary care dental services. This position is responsible for sterilization, preparation and inventory control of dental instruments and supplies. May assist in providing training to students and new hires. Must maintain confidentiality in accordance with CHC policies and HIPAA regulations.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Preparation in primary clinic, maintaining adequate clinic supplies for patient treatment per clinical protocols and/or Dentist's or Dental Hygienist's direction. 
2. Anticipates the sequence of dental procedures and is prepared in advance to allow the Dentist to work efficiently.
3. Reviews the patient's health history for documentation and demonstrates proper charting in electronic dental record.
4. Maintains a sterile and neat working environment and observes universal precautions at all times. 
5. Assumes the responsibilities associated with any expanded duties that may be delegated by the Dentist, serving as the Dentist and Dental Hygienist’s chair-side assistant. 
6. Support dental outreach activities, as assigned. 

The essential functions listed are not an exhaustive list of every task the employee is required to complete. Employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. High school diploma or equivalent required.
2. Nitrous Oxide certification required or obtained within nine (9) months from date of hire.
3. Basic Life Support certification required upon hire or obtained within six (6) months from date of hire.
4. Graduate from Dental Assisting Program, preferred.
5. Certified Dental Assistant, preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Social and cultural sensitivity appropriate to ethnically and economically diverse patient-and employee-base
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the rationale of appropriate patient care.
3. Communicates through appropriate channels. Use proper chain of command for patient complaints.
4. Ability to handle emergency situations calmly and effectively.
5. Must be computer literate and must be proficient with the organization’s electronic health record.
6. Must be able to maintain good inter-personal relationship with co-workers and other members of the health care team and the organization.
7. Provide customer service in accordance to the organization’s mission.
8. Be courteous and respectful when interacting with patients and family members.
9. Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance to organization’s policy and procedure and HIPAA requirements.
10. Any combination of education and work experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying

WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.