Dental Assistant

The Dental Assistant supports VVHC dental providers in delivering efficient, high-quality oral healthcare by assisting with chairside procedures, patient preparation, clinical documentation, and infection control. This role plays a critical part in patient flow, clinical efficiency, and patient experience by ensuring accurate preparation, regulatory compliance, and compassionate care throughout the dental visit.

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Patient Care and Clinical Operations

Estimated Effort: 65%

• Provide compassionate, professional care to ensure a positive patient experience.

• Assist dentists chairside using four-handed dentistry techniques during examinations, procedures, and surgical interventions.

• Prepare patients for dental treatment, including collection and documentation of health histories, vital signs, and pertinent clinical information.

• Assist in diagnostic procedures and record findings, treatment plans, and completed services in the patient dental record.

• Prepare, disinfect, and sterilize dental instruments, materials, and handpieces in accordance with OSHA, CDC, and clinic policies.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of operatories, sterilization areas, laboratories, and clinical equipment.

• Monitor and maintain optimal operation of dental equipment, including radiographic units, sterilizers, ultrasonic cleaners, water distillers, amalgam separators, and evacuation systems.

• Stock operatories and maintain adequate dental supplies; assist with reviewing, storing, and ordering supplies.

• Provide patient education on oral hygiene, post-operative care, and follow-up instructions.

• Complete post-visit responsibilities to support continuity of care and patient satisfaction.

• Coordinate patient flow with dental providers and patient access staff to support efficient clinic operations.

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Administrative and Clerical Support

Estimated Effort: 25%

• Participate in daily morning huddles to support communication and care coordination.

• Complete internal and external patient referrals and assist with coordination of care as needed.

• Assist with telephone triage, differentiating between dental emergencies and routine treatment needs.

• Prepare treatment plans, cost estimates, and present information to patients for review when needed.

• Prepare and submit dental insurance prior authorizations based on provider diagnoses.

• Prepare, track, and confirm outgoing laboratory work and notify patients regarding follow-up care.

• Maintain strict confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA and agency policies.

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Service and Other Responsibilities

Estimated Effort: 10%

• Serve on VVHC and CAC committees, work groups, or service teams as assigned.

• Demonstrate commitment to the mission of CAC and VVHC by promoting oral health and patient-centered care.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support clinic operations and organizational goals.

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Minimum Requirements

Education:
High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Job-Related Experience:
Preference given to candidates with prior dental assisting experience or experience in a healthcare setting.

Licenses, Certifications, and Accreditations:

• Current Dental Assistant Radiographer’s Certificate through the Ohio State Dental Board

• Current Certified Dental Assistant credential through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) or Certified Ohio Dental Assistant (CODA)

• Current Healthcare Provider CPR and AED certification through the American Heart Association

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Direct Patient Care Requirements

• Verification of licensure, registration, and certifications

• Verification of education and training

• Completion of Office of Inspector General (OIG) exclusion check

• Health/Fit-for-Duty verification, including physical and mental capacity to safely perform job duties

• Three (3) professional letters of recommendation

• Current BLS/CPR certification

• Proof of Hepatitis B immunity or documented immunity

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Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with electronic dental health records and digital radiography

• Current certification in minimal sedation (N2O–O2) monitoring

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Working Conditions

This position operates in a well-lighted clinical environment and may require travel between VVHC dental clinic locations (up to 25%). The role requires strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to read and speak English. Physical demands include frequent sitting, use of hands and arms, reaching, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Close vision is required. The employee must regularly lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Work is fast-paced and patient-facing.