Dental Assistant Trainee - Marshalltown Clinic in Marshalltown, Iowa at Primary Health Care Inc

As a Dental Assistant Trainee, you will engage in on-the-job training to meet the requirements for dental assistant registration with the Iowa Dental Board. You will learn the necessary skills, including dental radiography, under supervision as defined by the Iowa Code 650. You will work under the guidance of the dental team to become competent in providing quality care and services to patients by assisting dentists and other staff in patient care, office, and laboratory duties. All essential functions are performed under supervision as required by Iowa Code 650.20.

You will be required to demonstrate competence in the essential functions of the position and passes the Iowa Dental Board approved examinations for dental assisting and dental radiography within 12 months of becoming a Dental Assistant Trainee.

This position typically works at our Marshalltown Dental Clinic Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM. Our team members are occasionally needed to cover other shifts or to work at other PHC clinics in Ames, Des Moines, and Marshalltown. Mileage reimbursement and/or an out of town travel bonus may apply.

What You Will Do

1. Performs direct patient care as delegated by the dentist. Greets and establishes rapport with patient, ensuring patient is treated with care and compassion throughout visit. Collects and records patient blood pressure, pulse, and health history. Completes dental x-rays in compliance with regulatory codes. Collects and submits all patient services and billing information. Completes and maintains patient records and related documents in compliance with all regulations.
2. Prepares operatory procedure set up and materials for patient visit. Prepares and maintains dental instruments, materials, and equipment. Maintains documents for equipment maintenance as well as instrument and supply inventory. Performs pre-cleaning and transport of contaminated instruments and may perform sterile processing of instruments as assigned.
3. Instructs patients and family members on general oral health care and information related to post-treatment care. Ensures services and patient education aligned with patient’s age and physical, psychosocial, educational, safety and cultural needs.
4. Supports laboratory by pouring and trimming study models. Minimizes risk of radiation exposure to employees and patients applying proper procedures.
5. Provides backup support for the front desk staff as needed.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications You Need to Bring

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• A minimum of 6 months experience working with underserved populations at PHC or current enrollment in a Dental Assistant diploma/degree program that is scheduled to be completed within 6 months.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn different software and database systems.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail oriented with high degree of accuracy.
• Demonstrates professionalism with ability to remain calm in all situations and show empathy.
• Licenses & Certifications: Current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers Certification recognized by the American Heart Association*; current Mandatory Reporter Training: Child and Dependent Adult Abuse recognized by the State of Iowa*.

*Must be completed within the Introductory Period if not current.

Preferred:

• Clinic experience working with patients with varying age-related, physical, psychosocial, and cultural needs.
• Experience in a dental office.
• Dental Assistant National Board Certification.
• Bilingual verbal & written language proficiency in English and Spanish.