DENTAL ASSISTANT - bilingual (Spanish)

Position Title: Bilingual Dental Assistant
Reports to: Dental Home Director
Location: KinderSmile Community Oral Health Center- Bloomfield, NJ

About the KinderSmile Foundation

KinderSmile Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing underserved children, perinatal women, and families with access to comprehensive dental care and educate children and their families about the importance of dental hygiene. Established in 2007, the foundation's mission is to ensure every child has access to a dentist and to eradicate preventable dental diseases, which disproportionately affect economically disadvantaged children.

KinderSmile Foundation operates three Dental Homes in Bloomfield, Newark, and Trenton, New Jersey, serving patients regardless of their insurance status. The foundation's staff and volunteers are committed to delivering the highest level of care and respect to everyone who walks through their doors. To date, KinderSmile Foundation has provided over $10 million worth of dental services, impacting more than 40,000 low-income patients in New Jersey and nine developing nations.

The foundation's flagship program, KinderSmile Oral Health Program (KSOHP), combats oral healthcare inequity by increasing access to dental care for underserved children aged 0-18 through school and community center visits. Other programs include the Special Smiles Program, which focuses on children with developmental disabilities, the Perinatal Health & Wellness Program for pregnant women and new mothers, and the annual Give Kids A Smile Day event that provides free dental care in a fun, educational setting.

By offering community-based oral health education, dental care, and support for current and future healthcare professionals, KinderSmile Foundation works tirelessly towards a future free of dental diseases for all children.

Position Summary

The Dental Assistant is responsible for providing support to dental professionals and ensuring a comfortable, efficient, and professional environment for patients at the KinderSmile Community Oral Health Center in Trenton.

This part-time, non-exempt position requires excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as an affinity for working with children.

The Dental Assistant will assist with a variety of tasks, including patient care, sterilization, inventory management, and administrative support. They will also work closely with Dental Hygienists, Dental Providers, and Program Coordinators, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere that aligns with KinderSmile's philosophy of quality clinical treatment and oral health education.

Wearing clean scrubs is a required attire for this position to ensure a professional and hygienic appearance at all times.

The salary range for this position is $17-$21 per hour depending on experience, possession of a radiology license and other qualifications.

Position Details

This is a part-time position working 3 days per week:

• Mondays 9am-6pm
• Tuesdays 10am-7pm
• Wednedays 9am-6pm

There will be a 1-hour unpaid lunch break each day.

Location

This is an on-site position at KinderSmile Community Oral Health Center- Bloomfield.

Who You Are:

As a Dental Assistant at KinderSmile Foundation, you are a compassionate and dedicated individual who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of underserved children and their families. You understand the importance of dental hygiene and are committed to providing the highest quality care to every patient you encounter.

With a strong affinity for children and a team-oriented approach, you excel at creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for patients and their families. You are organized, punctual, and reliable, demonstrating excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Your ability to adapt and learn quickly, as well as your eagerness to grow professionally, make you an ideal candidate for our organization.

You are motivated by KinderSmile Foundation's mission to provide access to comprehensive dental care and educate children and their families on the importance of dental hygiene. You share our vision of a future where every child has access to a dentist and preventable dental diseases are eradicated. By joining our team, you will contribute to the positive impact we have on the lives of thousands of low-income patients in New Jersey and beyond.

What You’ll Do:

General Responsibilities

• Treat all patients, their families, and caregivers with respect, dignity, and professionalism.
• Implement KinderSmile Foundation's philosophy of quality clinical treatment and oral health education for all patients.
• Familiarize yourself with the required manuals and policies, including OSHA and HIPAA regulations.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings, participate in daily Huddle.

Clinical and Administrative Duties

• Assist Dental Providers.
• Track and maintain clinical inventory.
• Verify all patients with lab cases have follow-up appointments scheduled.
• Train volunteer Dental Assistants.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
• Maintain supply closet and report low inventory.

Patient Support

• Greet and seat patients.
• Prep and breakdown treatment rooms.
• Take impressions and radiographs.
• Address patient concerns and inquiries in a professional and empathetic manner.
• Provide support to patients during dental procedures to ensure their comfort.

Workspace Maintenance and Organization

• Comply with KinderSmile Foundation procedures, rules, and regulations to maintain a safe and clean working environment.
• Ensure the dental home, oral education room, and bathroom are clean and organized.
• Conserve dental resources by using equipment and supplies judiciously.
• Bag, sterilize, and store instruments.
• Keep clinical and sterilization areas clean, neat, organized, and well-stocked.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure that supplies are replenished and readily available.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following are the minimum qualifications which an individual needs to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this position.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Dental Assistant certification (preferred)
• Radiology (x-ray) license (preferred)

Experience

• Previous experience working in a dental office or similar healthcare setting (preferred).
• Previous experience working with children (preferred).

Technical Proficiency

• Knowledge of dental instruments, equipment, and sterilization techniques.
• Familiarity with dental software and electronic health records.
• Knowledge of EagleSoft (preferred).

Other Critical Skills

• Organized, punctual, and reliable.
• Works well as part of a team.
• Likes working with children.
• Good communication skills and use of proper grammar.
• Friendly and personable.

Special Working Conditions

• Exposure to infectious agents: Due to the nature of the job, Dental Assistants are exposed to infectious agents such as bacteria and viruses. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to minimize risk.
• Exposure to chemicals and hazardous materials: Dental Assistants may be exposed to various chemicals used in dental procedures and cleaning agents. Proper handling, storage, and disposal of these materials are crucial to ensure safety.
• Physically demanding tasks: Dental Assistants may need to stand or sit for long periods, as well as perform repetitive tasks that may require manual dexterity and fine motor skills.
• Irregular work hours: In some cases, Dental Assistants may be required to work weekends, evenings, or holidays to accommodate patients' schedules.
• Fast-paced environment: Dental Assistants often work in fast-paced environments and must be able to manage their time effectively to provide optimal patient care.
• Noise exposure: Dental offices can be noisy due to the use of various dental tools and equipment. Dental Assistants should be comfortable working in this type of environment.
• Emotional demands: Dental Assistants may encounter patients with dental anxiety or other emotional challenges, requiring empathy, patience, and strong interpersonal skills.

Physical Requirement

The physical requirements for a dental assistant role typically include the ability to stand or sit for extended periods, as the job often involves long hours of working with patients in a dental chair. Dental assistants must possess fine motor skills and manual dexterity to perform precise, delicate tasks while using various dental tools and instruments. They may also need to bend, reach, and twist in order to access different areas of a patient's mouth, requiring good flexibility and overall physical fitness. Additionally, dental assistants should have the strength and stamina to assist patients in and out of the dental chair, as well as the ability to move and handle dental equipment as needed. Good vision and hand-eye coordination are essential for performing accurate and effective dental treatments. Dental assistants must also be able to tolerate exposure to various noises from dental equipment and maintain focus in a potentially noisy work environment.

BENEFITS

As part of our commitment to our employees and their well-being, KinderSmile Foundation currently provides part-time employees with the following benefits:

• 403(b) retirement plan with matching employer contribution.
• Paid sick time
• Free dental cleanings for employees (twice a year)

Join Our Team Today!

Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of underserved children and their families by providing exceptional dental care and education? If you're passionate about oral health and want to be part of an organization that truly changes lives, we want to hear from you!

Take the first step towards a fulfilling and rewarding career with KinderSmile Foundation by applying now!

Don't miss this opportunity to join a dedicated team of professionals who are committed to creating healthier and brighter smiles for children in need. Apply today and help us transform the future of oral health for underserved communities!

Note:

KinderSmile Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and the principles of non-discrimination in the workplace. Candidates will not be discriminated on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $17.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Paid sick time
• Retirement plan
• Safety equipment provided

Experience:

• Dental assisting: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Required)

License/Certification:

• Certified Dental Assistant (Preferred)

Work Location: In person