Dental Assistant

Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta (JF&CS) offers best-in-class, person-centered programs and resources to transform lives. Building on our 125-year history, we are here to help individuals and families of all faiths live to their full potential. Guided by Jewish values, we are a welcoming community, and our experienced professionals bring integrity and compassion to their work in the fields of aging and older adults, career counseling, dentistry, mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and need-based support services. We serve thousands of individuals annually regardless of age, race, religion, national origin, or ability to pay.

The Ben Massell Dental Clinic is a fast-paced state-of-the-art dental facility with over 100 volunteer dentists providing quality dental care to individuals in Metro Atlanta. The clinic has 15 operatories and the absolute latest in dental equipment. The clinic has an opening for a full-time dental assistant. We offer a very Competitive Salary and excellent Benefits package. Applicant must be knowledgeable of dental procedures and instruments. Guides and maintenance records for equipment care. Must maintain organizational practices and ability to add positive growth to the dental team. Along with Professionalism, this job also requires Commitment and Integrity, Compassion and Respect, Innovation and Collaboration, and Responsiveness to Diverse needs.

Working at JF&CS:

At JF&CS, we hold these values close to our heart: Commitment and integrity, compassion and respect, innovation and collaboration, professionalism, and responsiveness to diverse needs. Guided by Jewish values, and voted a Top Workplace for 2022 by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, we are a welcoming community of professionals passionate about making a difference in the community. For testimonials from staff on what it’s like being part of the JF&CS family, you can visit our Careers page.

Benefits:

• Up to 20 days paid time off and paid holidays.
• One Week Paid Winter Holiday Break
• Health, Vision, Dental, and 401(k) savings plan
• Paid Parental Leave

JF&CS is now seeking a Full-Time Dental Assistant for our Ben Massell Dental Clinic.

PURPOSE:

Responsible to the dentist on duty. Facilitates an efficient flow of patients to and from the clinic.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned per Supervisor/Director.

• Patient Preparation: Prepare patients for dental procedures by seating them in the treatment area, explaining the procedure, and addressing any questions or concerns they may have. Ensure patient comfort and provide reassurance during the treatment process.
• Sterilization and Instrument Preparation: Sterilize and disinfect dental instruments and equipment, following strict infection control protocols. Prepare instrument trays, dental materials, and supplies required for each procedure.
• Chairside Assistance: Assist dentists during dental procedures by handing them instruments, maintaining a clear field of view, and anticipating their needs. Suction saliva and excess materials, retract tissues, and operate dental equipment as directed.
• Patient Education: Educate patients on oral hygiene practices, post-treatment care, and preventive measures. Provide instructions on proper brushing and flossing techniques, diet recommendations, and the importance of regular dental visits.
• Dental Radiography: Take dental X-rays as directed by the dentist, following radiation safety protocols. Develop and mount X-ray films for interpretation by the dentist. Ensure accurate and high-quality radiographic images.
• Record Keeping and Documentation: Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, including medical histories, treatment plans, and clinical notes. Enter treatment information into computer systems or electronic health records.
• Dental Laboratory Support: Assist with the construction, adjustment, and repair of dental prosthetics, such as dentures, bridges, and crowns. Take impressions of patients’ teeth for the fabrication of dental restorations.
• Infection Control: Follow strict infection control guidelines and protocols to maintain a safe and sterile environment.
• Dispose of hazardous waste and maintain cleanliness and sanitation in treatment areas, equipment, and instruments.
• Administrative Duties: Perform various administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, and managing patient records.
• Turn on vacuum pumps and water in the AM before the clinic opens.
• Turn off vacuum pumps and water in the PM after the clinic closes.
• Follow the Policies and Procedures of the Ben Massell Dental Clinic

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Dental Assisting Education: Completion of a dental assisting program from an accredited institution. Some states may require dental assistants to hold a license or certification.
• Knowledge of Dental Procedures: Familiarity with dental terminology, procedures, and treatment protocols. Understanding of dental materials, instruments, and equipment used in common dental procedures.
• Infection Control and Safety: Knowledge of infection control practices, sterilization techniques, and OSHA regulations to maintain a safe and hygienic environment. Ability to follow strict protocols for the prevention of cross-contamination.
• Chairside Skills: Proficiency in providing chairside assistance during dental procedures. Ability to anticipate the needs of the dentist, operate dental equipment, and assist with various tasks.
• Radiography Skills: Proficiency in dental radiography techniques, including X-ray positioning, exposure, and film development. Knowledge of radiation safety and protection measures.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with patients, dentists, and other dental team members. Ability to convey instructions clearly, listen attentively, and provide patient education.
• Organizational and Time Management Skills: Strong organizational skills to handle multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain efficiency in a fast-paced dental environment.
• Professionalism and Ethics: Demonstrate professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct in all aspects of work.
• Uphold patient privacy and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
• Must have reliable transportation

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit.
• The employee will need to use hands to hold instruments and, handle paperwork.
• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms and move about the clinical environment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. unassisted.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Busy clinical environment with a high patent volume
• Working environment is generally quite with ongoing verbal interaction with patients.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or equivalent; Graduate of accredited dental assisting program or dental assisting experience preferred. Previous work experience as a full-time, paid assistant may be substituted for formal education on a year– to–year basis.

Candidates who are selected for employment must successfully complete a pre-employment background screening as well as a pre-employment drug screening. Employment will be contingent upon the satisfactory completion of both the background check and the drug screening. Additionally, if applicable, tuberculosis testing (TB) and fingerprinting may also be required.

JF&CS is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We embrace our employees' unique qualities, which fuel interest, innovation, and business success. As an EEO employer, JF&CS will engage in interactive dialogue regarding any accommodation requested based on medical or religious considerations.