Shift: Full time, Days

Reporting to the Mobile Dental Clinic Manager, performs various duties to assist with the day-to-day operations of the Clinic. Assists staff dentist, contract dentists, student dentists, volunteer dentists and hygienists in various chair side procedures. Performs clerical functions including appointment scheduling, phone calls and data entry.

1. Assists staff dentist, contract dentists, student dentists, a volunteer dentists and hygienists in chair side procedures routinely done in a general dental practice. Prepares room ensuring all necessary supplies, instruments and equipment are available for each procedure. Under the direction of the dentist/hygienist, takes dental radiographs ensuring the patient is prepared with appropriate safeguards; positions x-ray device in patient’s mouth; takes x-ray and enters patient data in the system to identify x-ray. Hands instruments and supplies to the dentist/hygienist during procedures as requested. Cleans the room following each procedure to prepare for the next patient; discards disposable supplies and replenishes as needed; removes instruments requiring sterilization.

2. Sterilizes dental instruments according to OSHA guidelines; prepares instruments for sterilization; runs sterilization machine and removes instruments when the sterilization process is completed. Run monthly report to ensure sterilizer is running correctly.

3. Schedules appointments for multiple dentists and hygienists to ensure smooth operations in the clinic. Communicates with patients to schedule or confirm appointments and obtain patient information; enters patient information and keeps track of patient appointments using the dental clinic’s computer software system. Continuously monitors schedule to ensure all appointment slots are full.

4. Performs various clerical duties as assigned by the manager. Manages inventory levels and expiration dates of all supplies stored at the clinic. Prints patient discharge summary and takes payments for procedures, enters payments on patient’s chart and provides a receipt for the patient.

5. Responsible for overall clinic cleanliness including disinfecting all equipment regularly, maintaining sterilization area and evacuation lines.

6. Will occasionally be asked to promote the Mobile Dental Clinic Program at community events..

7. Educates patient on proper oral hygiene using manual demonstrations, printed materials and video demonstrations. Provides patients with printed instructions for post procedure care as needed.

8. Adheres to all Northwest Community Hospital standards, policies, and procedures.

1. High school diploma.

2. Minimum of one year previous chair side dental assistant experience including familiarity with dental office software, instrumentation and sterilization and infection control techniques required.

3. Coronal Polishing Certification preferred but not required.

4. Knowledge of and experience using a computer and various computer software packages.

5. Valid Illinois driver’s license and access to an automobile required for working in multiple locations.

6. The interpersonal and communication skills necessary maintain positive and effective communication with coworkers and patients.

7. The versatility and organizational skills necessary to perform multiple and diverse tasks simultaneously in a busy work environment.

8. The ability to follow oral and written instructions.

9. The ability to complete the competencies required for performing the duties of a chair-side assistant.

10. The ability to speak, read and write in English and Spanish

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Moderate physical effort is required. May require frequent periods of standing and walking. May require frequent lifting of lightweight material, or rarely lifting or moving heavyweight materials
2. The flow of work and character of duties requires normal mental and visual attention.
WORKING CONDITIONS: (Describe any unfavorable working conditions or hazards).
1. The working conditions are acceptable. There may be some exposure to infectious diseases and X-Rays. Clinical services are provided on a mobile dental clinic, which is smaller than the normal office. The location of the office will vary from day-to-day.

About Northwest Community Healthcare

In January 2021, Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH) joined NorthShore University HealthSystem, which is now NorthShore – Edward-Elmhurst Health. The NCH Arlington Heights campus features a 509-bed hospital with a Level II Trauma Center, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and a dedicated pediatric acute care center. Throughout the northwest suburbs, NCH has 23 doctor’s offices; five immediate care centers; seven physical rehabilitation sites; and 13 lab locations.

NorthShore – Edward-Elmhurst Health is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system committed to providing access to quality, vibrant, community-connected care, serving an area of more than 4.2 million residents across six northeast Illinois counties. Our more than 25,000 team members and more than 6,000 physicians aim to deliver transformative patient experiences and expert care close to home across more than 300 ambulatory locations and eight acute care hospitals – Edward (Naperville), Elmhurst, Evanston, Glenbrook (Glenview), Highland Park, Northwest Community (Arlington Heights) Skokie and Swedish (Chicago) – all recognized as Magnet hospitals for nursing excellence. Located in Naperville, Linden Oaks Behavioral Health, provides for the mental health needs of area residents. For more information, visit NorthShore.org, SwedishCovenant.org, NCH.org and EEHealth.org.