Dental Assistant

Are you looking to make a difference by improving the health of our patients?  Here you will find an innovative culture that is patient- focused and dedicated to making a difference.  We are committed to helping the population we serve, and our communities, achieve optimum health and enjoy the best quality of life possible.  Recently named a Forbes America's Best-In-State Employer 2022!

$10,000.00 SIGN-ON BONUS (connect with our Talent Acquisition team on eligibility requirements)

The Dental Assistant will work Full Time, Days in direct support of the Dentist and collaborate in a team environment with other Dental Assistants and Hygienists. They assist with direct patient care, clean and wrap instruments for sterilization, restock supplies, ensure cleanliness of dental operatories, and complete general care of equipment. The goal is to provide safe, quality care and a top-notch customer service experience for all patients. 

• The Dental Assistant prepares patient and instrument/supply trays for the dentist. 
• Take dental impression molds. 
• Knowledgeable of dental materials and procedures. 
• Assist the dentist with patient exam, dental and periodontal charting. 
• Assist the dentist in suctioning, periodontal exams and new patient treatment planning. 
• The Dental Assistant takes dental diagnostic x-rays. 
• Take and record medical and dental histories and updated personal information in patient’s chart. 
• Prepare patient for dental treatment by greeting the patient, escorting the patient to the treatment room, and making them feel at-ease and comfortable to build rapport.  
• Remain in treatment room with patient throughout their visit. 
• The Dental Assistant prepares operatory for patient care by cleaning, sanitizing and maintaining instruments and equipment. 

The following section contains representative examples of work that will be performed in positions allocated to this classification. Bassett Healthcare is a dynamic organization, and the environment can be fluid. Roles and responsibilities can often be expanded to accommodate changing patient or organizational needs and conditions as well as to tap into skills and talents of employees. Accordingly, employees may be asked to perform duties that are outside the specific functions that are listed.   

• The Dental Assistant will escort patient to dental operatory. Prepare patient for dentist, including setting up trays for each patient, according to departmental policy and procedure. Assist the dentist with supply and equipment needs as the dentist examines and treats patient. 
  • Prepares patient and instrument/supply trays for the dentist according to established departmental policies and procedures as observed by the dentists. 
  • Stocks dental operatories with sufficient supplies and instruments to meet dentist’s requests throughout the day as observed by the dentists. 

• Disinfects work surfaces in dental operatories and sterilizes instruments after each patient use according to established departmental policies and procedures.  
  • Disinfects all work surfaces tray, counter, instrument handles after each patient use according to departmental procedures as observed by dentist and hygienists. 
  • Cleans and packages soiled instruments for sterilization according to sterilization procedures as observed by dentists and as noted in review of sterilization logs.   
• The Dental Assistant will maintain sufficient inventory of supplies and equipment for efficient, cost-effective operation of dental practice. 
  • Regularly monitors inventory of supplies to assure adequate supplies on hand to meet demand, initiates storehouse requisitions or purchase requisitions to maintain desired inventory level as monitored by observation of manager and with feedback from dentists/hygienists. 
  • Receives incoming supply items, restocks shelves and rotates inventory as monitored by manager and with feedback from dentists/hygienists. 
  • Works collaboratively with Bassett Purchasing to identify unique dental supplies that may not be stock items as monitored by manager through approval of requisitions. 
  • Reports to manager any equipment malfunction the same day the problem is identified. Reports to manager any equipment service needs within 1 week, as monitored by manager and with feedback from dentists/hygienists.  
• The Dental Assistant takes dental x-rays, develops dental x-rays.  Takes dental impression molds. 
  • Screens patients, shields the patient, positions patient and equipment according to established departmental policy and procedure as observed by dentists/hygienists and with patient feedback. 
  • Explains to the patient the dental x-ray procedure according to established departmental procedures as monitored by the dentists/hygienists. 
  • Develops dental films according to established departmental procedure as monitored by the dentists when reading the dental x-rays. 
  • Wears radiation safety badge 100% of the time, daily as observed by dentists/manager. 
  • Takes dental mold impressions according to established department procedure as monitored by the dentists when they make dentures from the molds and with feedback from patients  
• The Dental Assistant performs similar or related duties as requested or directed 
  • Performs other duties as requested and observed by management. 

Bassett Healthcare Network follows the New York State and New York State Department of Health COVID-19 vaccine mandates for healthcare workers. This mandate requires COVID-19 vaccinations for personnel working for or on behalf of our hospitals and nursing homes.  The New York State mandate allows for medical exemptions and religious accommodations, when appropriate. All candidates who accept an offer from Bassett Healthcare Network will be required to show proof of vaccination as required by New York State.

Education/Qualifications: 

• High School Diploma OR equivalent preferred.

Experience:       

• One-year experience as a Dental Assistant preferred. 
• Familiarity with Dentrix Enterprise practice management software preferred .
• Experience caring for children preferred.

Licensure/Certificates: 

• Graduation from an accredited Dental Assistant program preferred OR previous in field training. 

Skills:   

• Capable of assisting dentist in direct patient care according to dental department policies and procedures. 
• Capable of preparing equipment and supplies for dental care according to departmental policies and procedures. 

Physical Requirements:  

• No untreatable skin contact allergies, no untreatable breathing allergies, and no physiological motor skills limitations. 
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs. 

Working Conditions: 

• Capable of working in small operatories and laboratory spaces.
• Capable of extensive travel between School-Based Health Center sites. 
• Capable of working when public schools are in session and limited time during school vacation.

Benefits: 
Our commitment to our employees includes benefit programs that are designed to meet the various needs across our employee population. 

• Medical, dental and vision insurance 
• Life insurance and disability protection 
• Retirement benefits and more… 

Throughout our network, we take a balanced approach to the benefits we offer. Many benefits are company-paid, while others are available through employee contributions. Specific benefit offerings may vary by location and/or position. 

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related condition), age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), genetic predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status, familial status, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other status protected by law.