Dental Assistant

PHMC serves as both a direct service provider to individuals, families, and communities across the region and as an intermediary agent — managing large-scale contracts, government and philanthropic partnerships, and multidisciplinary initiatives that require operational sophistication, strategic leadership, and deep mission alignment.

Summary Job Description: Under the supervision of a Dentist, the Dental Assistant supports the dentist in the provision of high-quality care within the scope of service consistent with accepted standards of care for dental assistants.

Responsibilities

Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies, and equipment. Prepares the operatory for the patient visit. Seat the patient in a chair and explain the procedures to be performed. Collects and records patient health histories. Drapes patient with protective linens; sets up instrument tray with required supplies.

Prepares dental materials, cements, amalgams, composites, impression materials, etc. Takes radiographs using conventional or digital technology and follows radiation safety precautions. Assists with dental charting. Assists in the prevention and management of dental emergencies. Manages the patient during dental procedures.

Provides active chairside assistance; transfers instruments as appropriate for four-handed dentistry. Place and contour amalgam and other restorative materials. perform coronal polishing. perform fluoride treatments, including fluoride varnish. Takes impressions for study casts, athletic mouth guards, and a custom tray.

Performs laboratory procedures, including the pouring and trimming of models; polishing dental prosthetics, and making vac-u-press forms. At the conclusion of the procedure, follow proper infection control protocols and prepare the operatory for the next patient. Help manage the dental office’s infection control plan to meet all regulatory requirements.

Monitors and documents the flow of laboratory cases; maintains the lab facility. Performs, monitors, and records all sterilization activities. Maintains proper aseptic techniques necessary with dental equipment; maintains and properly sterilizes instruments. Routinely cleans, disinfects, and restocks operatories. Helps manage patient flow.

Maintains the inventory of supplies and reorders as necessary. Track and verify invoices. Translate dental treatment, after care, and answer questions in English and Spanish from doctor to patient. Performs duties within the dental program as assigned. Skills: Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines Ability to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet regulatory requirements Maintains and expands the current level of dental assistant skill and knowledge by periodically attending continuing education programs Ability to effectively communicate, translate, read, and write in Spanish is preferred.

EXPERIENCE: Experience as a dental assistant preferred. Spanish language proficiency preferred. Experience in a community health environment serving uninsured or underinsured patients is preferred.

EDUCATION

High school diploma or GED. CPR/BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required A National DANB Radiation and Safety exam Certificate of Completion is required. Certification in Dental Assisting is required. PHMC is an EOE and an E-Verify Employer