Orthodontic Dental Assistant

Job Description

Starting wage from $24 to $30 per hour, depending on experience. Location of role would be split between Springfield & Corvallis, with (1) overnight trip per month to our Bend practice.

Offering a generous new hire total compensation package which includes, but is not limited to :

Paid time off, holiday pay, 401K, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, license reimbursement and continuing education funds.

The Orthodontic Dental Assistant must be proficient with general assisting (orthodontic and / or Invisalign experience preferred) to provide the Orthodontist with assistance in the delivery of dental care and service in order to achieve the best possible treatment for the patient.

Essential Position Functions :

• Perform all dental procedures permitted consistent with the applicable state laws and regulations.
• Change orthodontic wires, appliances and other apparatus’ as directed by the orthodontist.
• Prepare and maintain instruments, equipment and materials for all dental procedures, while ensuring our patients are as relaxed and comfortable as possible.
• Be able to counsel out patients in post-operative care and general oral health, as well as demonstrate an understanding of evidence based dentistry.
• Take dental radiographs and upload to axiUm.
• Ask about the patient’s medical history and take blood pressure and pulse.
• Take impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts; pour and trim patient study models as needed.
• Clean and sterilize all instruments used. These procedures are done in accordance with company policies and OSHA / WISHA regulations described in the protocol manual.
• Maintain clean and organized sterilization area.
• Wear protective clothing, gloves, masks and eyewear.
• Strict adherence to Willamette Dental Group’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policy. This includes, but is not limited to the use of N95 respirators and other PPE as required by regulatory bodies and company policy.
• Flexibility to travel to other WDG locations within a reasonable range as described in our Travel Policy as needed based on business need.

Non-Essential Position Functions :

• Provide patients with instructions for oral care following appliance placement or other dental treatment procedures.
• Teach patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health.
• Perform office tasks that often require the use of a computer.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

Education and Experience :

• High School Diploma or GED and credentials to function as a Dental Assistant per state requirements required.
• Graduation from an ADA accredited dental assisting program or an approved dental assisting program with externship desired.

Licenses, Certifications and Registrations :

• Sealant certification.
• Basic Life Support for Healthcare providers.
• Oregon Oregon Dental Radiologic Proficiency certificate, required or willing to obtain.Oregon EFODA (Expanded Function Orthodontic Dental Assistant) certificate, required or willing to obtain.
• Washington Active Dental Assistant Registration at hire.
• Idaho Idaho Expanded Functions certificate(s), required or willing to obtain

Knowledge of :

• Practicing proper infection control techniques, sterilization techniques and protocol.
• Comprehensive knowledge of orthodontic terminology.
• Room set up and stocking, room turnover and how to maintain and organize lab case processes.
• Risk management, HIPAA, and ER protocol and adheres to protocol and evacuation plans as necessary.

Skill in :

• Written and verbal communications with team members, outside vendors, support departments, using a variety of mediums including email, instant messaging and virtual meetings.
• Open, clear communications with patients, asking open ended and clarifying questions for better understanding.
• Accepting and motivating others to change.
• Effective time management using downtime appropriately and proactively supports advanced access.
• Performing basic computer skills.
• Performing digital radiology.

Ability to :

• Learn, utilize and navigate all aspects of electronic dental health records.
• Support office team and enhance team environment, growth and development.
• Utilize learning management systems, courses and continued education and utilize other internal organizational learning resources.
• Seek high level credentials beyond state minimum and additional professional and skill development related to the profession.
• Partner with the patients to proactively educate them on evidence based dentistry philosophy and Mission and Vision of the company.
• Act as liaison between the doctor and patient, ensure patient appointments are appropriately sequenced and scheduled.
• Display culturally sensitive concern for patient comfort.
• Provide post-operative care instructions and customize oral health instruction based upon patient health levels.
• Appropriately communicate information to a variety of audiences and adjust style based upon the audience.
• Participate and contribute to the Safety Committee.

Physical Requirements :

• Employee is required to utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as N95 respirators and all other PPE as required by company policy.
• The work is primarily performed while sitting and / or standing, but will require occasional walking, bending, stooping and carrying light items such as papers, books, or other supplies.
• The incumbent uses a computer and other standard office equipment to complete tasks.

Company Overview

We provide :

• A stable, dentist-owned private company with an eye on the future.
• Excellent benefits including : Paid time off401k $1 for $1 match up to 5% of your compensation or the IRS limit for 401(k) contributions, whichever comes firstMedical, dental, life and disability insurancesTuition reimbursement
• A culture of inclusivity and respect in line with our core values of health, compassion, innovation and integrity.
• Supportive community outreach dollars and encouragement to volunteer.
• Thorough employee orientation and onboarding.

We are :

• A provider and employer of choice in the Northwest for 50 years.
• Dental insurance + providers in over 50 general and specialty offices in OR, WA and ID.
• Dedicated to proactive care to facilitate the best possible outcomes.

Willamette Dental Group is an equal opportunity employer.

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position’s scope and function in the company.