Dental Assistant / Registered Dental Assistant - Montcalm Area Health Center

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Job Description Summary:

The Dental Assistant provides essential support in performing chair-side four-handed dentistry to ensure quality care and treatment for patients. This position involves assisting the dentist with patient procedures, preparing treatment areas, sterilizing instruments, and maintaining a safe, aseptic environment. The Dental Assistant is also responsible for taking x-rays, preparing materials, and educating patients on oral hygiene. Adherence to organizational policies, ethical standards, and the mission is a key expectation.

Hours: T-TH 7:30am-6:30pm, Fri 7:30am-4:30pm (may vary dependent on clinic needs), with a Saturday rotation from 9am to 12pm. Travel to other Cherry Health sites may be required

Responsibilities:

• Take blood pressure readings and record necessary data.
• Adhere to Universal Precautions to ensure safety and hygiene.
• Receive and prepare patients for dental treatment.
• Mix dental materials as required during procedures.
• Record patient data as directed by the dentist or supervisor.
• Assist with instrument transfers during dental procedures.
• Take alginate impressions and perform fluoride treatments.
• Provide patients with oral hygiene instructions.
• Prepare treatment trays and ensure the operatory is ready for procedures.
• Sterilize and maintain instruments, ensuring a clean and safe working environment.
• Ensure the operatory maintains an aseptic environment and universal precautions.
• Monitor and manage supplies, ordering as necessary.
• Take dental x-rays, ensuring proper certification and adherence to standards.
• Perform oral evacuation during procedures.
• Pour and trim models for dental impressions.
• Prepare anesthetic syringes and assist with injections when required.
• May be required to translate for patients in other languages if applicable.
• Under the direction of the dentist, assist in dental procedures performed in a hospital operating room, after completing required orientation and training.
• Other duties as assigned.
   

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)/CPR certification as required by licensing and certification standards.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate with other dental professionals.
• Ability to adhere to the organizational mission and values of "Health for All."
• Ability to perform all essential functions with minimal supervision and with attention to detail.
   

Key Values:

• Customer Service
• Collaboration
• Integrity
• Respect
• Professionalism
• Learning
   

Education / Licenses / Certifications:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Certifications: Proof of radiology competency as required by the State of Michigan.
   

Experience:

• Previous dental chairside experience preferred. Must pass an annual skills assessment by the supervisor.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position is acceptable.
   

Working Conditions:

The essential functions of this position must be able to be accomplished with or without accommodations.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.
 

Client/Patient Population Served:

Pediatrics, Adolescents, Adults, Geriatrics.

Who we are:

Cherry Health, Michigan’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), operates in six counties across the state, is based in Grand Rapids. With a team of more than 800 health care professionals at 20 locations, Cherry Health focuses on removing barriers, expanding access, and delivering comprehensive quality health care services to underserved communities, regardless of an individual’s insurance status or ability to pay. We provide primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy services, substance abuse services, residential re-entry services, school-based health centers and more.

Our Mission: 

Cherry Health improves the health and wellness of individuals by providing comprehensive primary and behavioral health care while encouraging access by those wh