Job Description

Dental Assistant (Non-Expanded Duties)

As a Dental Assistant - Non-Expanded Duties, you will uphold the Mission, Vision, and Values of ODHS by providing chairside clinical support and performing diagnostic dental radiographs while maintaining the highest standards of patient care, regulatory compliance, and documentation accuracy. This position supports dentists and hygienists by ensuring efficient patient flow, operatory readiness, and adherence to the Indiana State Dental Practice Act, FQHC requirements, OSHA standards, and ODHS policies. This role does not perform expanded functions such as restorative placement, coronal polishing, sealant placement, or administration of local anesthesia.

Responsibilities (How this position enhances our Mission, Vision, and Values)

Mission - Improve the Quality of Life of Others:

Prepare operatories, instruments, and tray set-ups prior to patient arrival. Escort patients to operatories and confirm medical and dental histories. Update Dentrix Enterprise charts in real time with accurate clinical documentation. Assist dentists and hygienists chairside during examinations and procedures. Perform diagnostic dental radiographs (FMX, bitewings, periapicals, panoramic x-ray) in accordance with Indiana certification standards. Provide post-operative instructions and reinforce patient education. Maintain patient comfort, professionalism, and confidentiality at all times.

Vision - ODHS preferred partner in East Central Indiana for improving the well-being of individuals and the communities in which they live:

Ensure efficient patient flow and operatory readiness to support high-volume clinical operations. Upload, label, and verify radiographs and imaging in Dentrix Enterprise. Review chart alerts, pop-ups, and documentation requirements prior to patient dismissal. Escalate missing documentation (e.g., consents, required imaging, extraction verification) to the provider or Practice Manager to prevent treatment delays or pre-authorization issues. Communicate patient readiness, delays, and clinical concerns with providers and front desk staff. Support hygiene and front desk teams during peak clinic volume. Participate in team meetings, training, and quality-improvement initiatives.

Values - Esteem the Team, Maximize Potential, Do the Right Thing, Choose Compassion, Encourage Uniqueness:

Adhere to CDC, OSHA, FQHC, and ODHS infection-control protocols. Perform sterilization procedures, spore testing, operatory turnover, and maintain required logs accurately. Monitor equipment maintenance and emergency kit documentation. Ensure all required HRSA and UDS documentation (extraction consents, oral cancer screenings, risk assessments, etc.) is scanned, uploaded, and properly labeled in Dentrix. Demonstrate teamwork, accountability, and ethical conduct in all clinical and operational activities. Maintain reliable attendance, punctuality, and readiness to work at scheduled start times. Communicate schedule changes or delays in accordance with ODHS attendance policies.

Education and Experience:

High School diploma or GED equivalency. Graduate from an accredited dental assisting program. Indiana Dental Radiology Certification OR Temporary Indiana Dental Radiology Permit for newly graduated dental assistants actively completing certification requirements. Temporary permits must remain in good standing and be converted to full certification within the timeframe established by the Indiana State Board of Dentistry. CPR/BLS Certification. Minimum of one (1) year of dental assisting experience. Experience with Dentrix Enterprise or comparable dental EHR system.

About You:

Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to accurate clinical documentation. Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume clinical environment. Strong communication and organizational skills. Professional, compassionate, and patient-focused. Able to follow established protocols while escalating concerns appropriately. Committed to continuous learning and compliance with regulatory standards. Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation.

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substance, medicinal preparations and other conditions common to clinic environment. Tasks involve contact with blood or body substances. Requires standing, walking or sitting for long periods of time. Occasional bending, stretching or lifting up to 25 pounds. Requires the ability to work under stressful situations. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range or use of approved adaptive equipment. * Ability to work safely while using PPE and following infection-control protocols.