Dental Assistant

The Dental Assistant supports the delivery of quality dental care by assisting the dentist during clinical procedures, maintaining a safe and sterile environment, and providing oral health education to patients and the community. This role plays a vital part in improving patient outcomes and supports the mission of Medical Associates Plus and the Neighborhood Improvement Project, Inc.

• Assist the dentist chairside during clinical procedures, ensuring efficient workflow and patient comfort.
  
• Prepare and maintain dental instruments, supplies, and equipment according to infection control protocols.
  
• Record patient health histories accurately and ensure documentation is complete.
  
• Provide procedural support including instrument transfer, isolation techniques, and mixing/preparing dental materials (e.g., cements, composites, impression materials).
  
• Perform dental charting under the supervision of the dentist.
  
• Assist in the prevention and management of dental medical emergencies.
  
• Support inventory control and maintain adequate stock of supplies and instruments.
  

• Implement and monitor infection control protocols that comply with OSHA, CDC, and ADA standards.
  
• Sterilize, disinfect, and circulate instruments appropriately.
  
• Disinfect treatment rooms between patients and maintain cleanliness of dental operator areas.
  

• Provide patients with personalized oral hygiene instructions and post-procedure care guide.
  
• Participate in community outreach initiatives, including oral health education presentations and staffing health fair booths.
  

• Collaborate in resource planning and ensure efficient management of supplies and materials.
  
• Participate in continuous quality improvement and performance enhancement initiatives.
  
• Support the overall goals and mission of the Neighborhood Improvement Project, Inc.
  

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervising dentist or management team.
  

• Completion of an accredited Dental Assisting program by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association (ADA).
  
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
  

• 0-5 years of experience in a general dentistry practice preferred.
  
• Experience in community health or FQHC setting is a plus.
  

• Working knowledge of dental procedures, equipment, and terminology.
  
• Proficiency in electronic dental records and computer literacy (Microsoft Office Suite).
  
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse patient population.
  
• Commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality and complying with HIPAA regulations.
  

• Must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
  
• Excellent visual acuity required.
  
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, bend, reach, and lift/move equipment or materials up to 25 pounds.
  
• Ability to use hands and fingers for instrument handling and dexterity tasks.
  

• Work is performed in a dental clinic environment with standard equipment and instruments.
  
• Regular exposure to communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, and bodily fluids.
  
• Exposure to chemical disinfectants, sharps, low-level radiation, and unpleasant odors.
  
• Frequent interaction with patients who may be experiencing pain, anxiety, or behavioral issues.
  
• Moderate physical activity required, including frequent standing, walking, and occasional lifting.
  
• May work in a windowless environment with moderate noise from patients, equipment, and staff.
  

Medical Associates Plus reserves the right to assign work duties, hours, and locations as