Dental Assistant I/ Extended Function Dental Assistant (EFDA)

All About Hamilton Health Center: -

Hamilton Health Center (Hamilton), established in 1969, is the only Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) within a 30-mile radius of Harrisburg, PA. The mission of Hamilton is to improve the health of Central Pennsylvania's residents by delivering high quality respectful and patient-centered health and related social services that promote access, treatment, education, and prevention regardless of health, economic, or insurance status. Our vision is that every member of our community, regardless of their ability to pay or their insurance status, receives holistic, quality health care needed to create a healthy community. As part of our team, you will work alongside a dedicated team that cares and values those we serve.

Benefits offered: In addition to our competitive base pay, you are also eligible to receive:

• 19 Days of Paid Time Off for full-time employees, as well as Birthday Holiday, and 7 Paid Federal Holidays.
• Medical, Dental & Vision insurance coverage.
• Company Paid Life Insurance.
• Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• No weekend shifts
• May be eligible for full reimbursement of EFDA training and certification, with paid externship.
• Opportunities for mentorship, professional growth, and development.

Job Summary: The Dental Assistant provides assistance to Dental Providers with direct patient care at a community based dental center, treating patients of all ages.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assisting the dentist: Dental assistants work closely with our dentists to provide support during dental procedures. This includes passing instruments and keeping patients comfortable, setting up instruments and materials, taking digital X-rays, preparing the operatory while maintaining its cleanliness and professional appearance.
• Sterilizing equipment and instruments: Dental assistants are responsible for ensuring that all instruments and equipment are properly sterilized to prevent the spread of infection, consistent with Hamilton’s Infection Control Policy.
• Taking digital X-rays: Dental assistants are responsible for taking X-rays of patients' teeth for the dentist to review.
• Taking impressions of patients' teeth: Dental assistants may be responsible for taking preliminary alginate impressions of patients' teeth and pour stone models. The dental assistant will package lab cases with appropriate slips to be delivered to the labs, while maintaining our laboratory’s cleanliness and organization.
• Educating patients: Dental assistants may educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and provide information on dental procedures, including post-operative instructions.
• Keeping records and maintaining patient files: Dental assistants are responsible for maintaining accurate records of patient treatments and ensuring that patient charts are up to date. This includes collecting and recording health histories, and preparing forms for consent, preauthorization and referrals as prescribed by the dentist, and documenting patients’ next steps so that front staff can schedule them correctly.
• Ordering and stocking supplies: Dental assistants are responsible for keeping operatories appropriately stocked, while paying attention to conserving materials, and performing related duties as required.
• Assisting with administrative tasks: Dental assistants may assist with administrative tasks as needed such as filing paperwork, and managing claims, attending departmental meetings and trainings as required, and providing dental assistance to all center locations as needed, and train incoming team members.
• EFDAs will perform duties consistent with PA Dental State Law relating to EFDA Scope of Practice.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education/Certifications: Must be a graduate of an accredited Dental Assistant/ EFDA program and be CPR Certified (or able obtain certification within 4 months of job placement). Must be DANB certified for taking radiographs (or become certified within 4 months of job placement).

Minimum Work Experience: Foundational knowledge expected. One year of chairside assistance preferred. Must be able to work in a community based clinical environment and rotate to a school-based setting if needed, and satisfactorily pass a background screening including child abuse clearance. Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions. Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens. OSHA training will be provided.

EOE