Dental Assistant Job at NATIVE HEALTH of Phoenix in Phoenix

At NATIVE HEALTH, we are committed to providing exceptional healthcare services for urban American Indians, Alaska Natives, and others who face barriers to health and wellness.  

Our Mission:  
To provide accessible, holistic, patient-centered care that empowers our community to achieve the highest level of health and well-being.  

Our Vision:  
Healthy People in Healthy Communities.  

Why Join NATIVE HEALTH?  
We value our employees and offer a supportive work environment with comprehensive benefits, including:  
Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance  
Retirement Benefits – Up to 5% Matching Contribution  
12 Paid Holidays  
Tuition Reimbursement & Educational Leave  
Employee Recognition Program  

Starting Pay: $18.42 per hour  

Position Overview  
The Dental Assistant plays a vital role in providing high-quality dental care, assisting in various procedures, and ensuring an efficient clinic workflow. You will work closely with our dentists and report to the Dental Director while performing chairside assistance in all phases of restorative, prosthodontic, surgical, endodontic, and periodontal treatments.  

Key Responsibilities:  
- Greet and guide patients through their visit, ensuring a positive experience.  
- Prepare treatment rooms, sterilize instruments, and maintain equipment.  
- Assist dentists in chairside procedures using four-handed dentistry techniques.  
- Take and develop dental X-rays.  
- Obtain and record vital signs for oral surgery patients.  
- Perform intra-oral procedures such as taking impressions, applying fluoride, and removing sutures as directed by the dentist.  
- Educate patients on proper oral hygiene and post-treatment care.  
- Order and maintain dental supplies and equipment inventory.  
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, infection control, and safety protocols.  
- Assist in coordinating and following up on specialty referrals.  
- Maintain a clean and professional environment.  

Qualifications & Requirements:  
Dental Assistant Certification from an accredited program.  
Radiology certification (as per Arizona state requirements).  
Sealant & Coronal Polishing Certification (must obtain within 90 days of employment).  
Minimum of 3 years of chairside dental assisting experience.  
Strong knowledge of dental procedures, instruments, and front-office functions.  
Ability to work with confidential information and maintain patient trust.  

Additional Employment Requirements:  
Valid Arizona Driver’s License (or obtain within 30 days if relocating).  
Ability to pass a criminal background check and obtain a Class I Fingerprint Clearance Card within 90 days of employment.  
Must pass a substance abuse test and comply with random testing.  
Up-to-date immunization records and TB test (within 12 months).  
CPR/First Aid certification (must obtain within 90 days and maintain throughout employment).  

Skills & Abilities:  
- Strong understanding of dental anatomy, procedures, and instruments.  
- Proficiency in operating dental X-ray equipment.  
- Excellent chairside assisting skills with attention to detail.  
- Ability to educate patients on oral hygiene and preventive care.  
- Strong interpersonal skills with a friendly and professional demeanor.  
- Ability to work in a fast-paced clinical setting while maintaining high-quality patient care.