Job Title: Dental Practice Assistant

Levels: I, II, and III
Status / Time: Full-Time
Reports to: Chief Operations Officer & Staff Dentist
Position Type: Permanent
FLSA Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt
Starting Pay Range: $16 ~ $25 / hour depending on experience

Overview:
The Dental Practice Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of safe, efficient, and compassionate dental care. Working under the direct supervision of the Dentist and the general supervision of the Chief Operating Officer, this position assists with both clinical and administrative functions to ensure a positive patient experience and effective department operations. Responsibilities include patient preparation, chairside assistance, infection control, instrument sterilization, dental charting, patient education, inventory management, and maintaining treatment room readiness.

Dental Practice Assistants serve as integral members of the healthcare team and are expected to promote professionalism, teamwork, excellent customer service, and patient-centered interactions. Employees in this role contribute to quality improvement initiatives, comply with all safety and infection control requirements, maintain patient confidentiality, and support Ko‘olauloa Health Center’s mission of “Improving the quality of life for all, Imua!”.

This position is structured in progressive levels (Dental Practice Assistant I, II, and III), allowing employees to advance through demonstrated competency, expanded clinical skills, leadership abilities, and increased responsibility within the dental department. Advancement recognizes professional growth while supporting the development of a highly skilled dental team capable of delivering exceptional patient care.

Position Summaries:

Dental Assistant I – Entry Level
Primarily assists the dentist in clinical patient treatment and performs basic chairside, sterilization, and administrative support duties—works under direct supervision, focusing on learning clinical procedures, infection control, and patient interaction.

Dental Assistant II – Intermediate
Performs all Level I duties independently, plus expanded responsibilities including taking impressions, performing delegated intraoral procedures, managing operatory readiness with minimal supervision, and assisting with hygiene perio charting if necessary and operatory schedule permitting. Demonstrates competency in patient management and infection control.

Dental Assistant III – Advanced / Expanded Function
Performs all Level II duties plus advanced clinical and administrative responsibilities. Serves as a lead resource for other Dental Practice Assistants, oversees infection control compliance in tandem with KHC’s Dental Hygienist and Dentist(s), and assists in training new staff.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully:

• Sit, stand, and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.

• Use hands and fingers for fine motor coordination, including handling dental instruments, charting, keyboarding, and manipulating small objects.

• Reach with hands and arms above shoulder level, below waist level, and in front of the body.

• Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, and squat while assisting patients and accessing supplies or equipment.

• Maintain prolonged static postures while providing chairside assistance during dental procedures.

• Use repetitive hand, wrist, and finger movements associated with instrument handling, sterilization, typing, and documentation.

• Grasp, pinch, push, pull, and manipulate dental instruments, equipment, and supplies.

• Regularly lift, carry, push, and pull items weighing up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull items weighing up to 50 pounds with assistance when needed.

• Assist with moving equipment, supply deliveries, and setting up operatories.

• Transfer, support, or assist patients when necessary while following safe patient-handling procedures.

• Respond quickly to patient care needs and emergencies.

• Possess sufficient visual acuity to:

  • Read patient records, charts, and computer screens.

  • Identify dental instruments and materials.

  • Observe patient conditions and treatment areas.

  • Distinguish colors, shades, and measurements relevant to dental procedures.

• Possess sufficient hearing ability to:

  • Communicate effectively with patients, providers, and coworkers.

  • Hear alarms, instructions, and equipment operation sounds.

• Frequently work in proximity to patients and staff.

• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, masks, protective eyewear, face shields, gowns, and other required infection-control apparel for extended periods.

• Work in environments involving exposure to:

  • Blood and bodily fluids.

  • Airborne particles and aerosols.

  • Dental materials and chemicals.

  • Sharps and contaminated instruments.

  • Infectious diseases and communicable illnesses.

Mental Demands:

The mental demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position successfully.

• Ability to maintain concentration and attention to detail for extended periods.

• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced clinical environment with frequent interruptions.

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, patients, and competing deadlines throughout the workday.

• Ability to accurately follow detailed verbal and written instructions.

• Ability to recognize changes in patient condition and respond appropriately.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and problem-solving skills in routine and unexpected situations.

• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and KHC policies.

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations related to charting, scheduling, inventory, lab cases, and clinical documentation.

• Ability to learn and retain dental terminology, clinical procedures, infection-control standards, and electronic health record systems.

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, schedules, staffing needs, and operational requirements.

• Ability to remain calm and professional when working with anxious, upset, fearful, or distracted patients.

• Ability to maintain accuracy while working under time constraints.

• Ability to work collaboratively as a part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

• Ability to manage stress associated with clinical care, patient volume, emergencies, and regulatory requirements.

Communication Demands:

The employee must possess the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with patients, families, providers, staff, vendors, and community partners.

• Ability to speak, read, and write in English.

• Ability to communicate clearly and courteously with patients of diverse cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Ability to explain procedures, instructions, and follow-up information in a patient-friendly manner.

• Ability to actively listen and respond appropriately to patient concerns and questions.

• Ability to communicate effectively with dentists, hygienists, medical providers, behavioral health staff, and administrative staff.

• Ability to document clinical information accurately in the electronic health record.

• Ability to communicate by telephone, audio/visual platforms, secure electronic messaging systems, and in-person.

• Ability to de-escalate tense situations and interact professionally with upset or difficult individuals. Ability to know when a situation requires a different staff person to intervene such as the dentist, hygienist, dental patient services representative, or administrative staff.

• Ability to provide and receive training, coaching, and performance-related feedback.

• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality when discussing protected health information (PHI).

• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written communications, policies, and safety instructions.

Working Conditions:

The Dental Practice Assistant works primarily in a climate-controlled dental department within the health center and may be exposed to:

• Noise from dental equipment and instruments.

• Cleaning and disinfecting agents.

• X-ray equipment and radiation safety procedures.

• Frequent interruptions and a fast-paced clinical environment.

• High patient volume and multiple competing priorities.

• Exposure to COVID-19 and other contaminants; compliance with personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements is mandatory.

• Requirement to wear PPE for extended periods of time.

Equipment Use:

Dental Equipment

• Dental chairs and delivery systems

• High-volume evacuation and saliva ejection systems

• Dental handpieces and associated equipment

• Curing lights

• Intraoral cameras

• Digital radiography and X-ray equipment

• Dental impression and model-making equipment

• Autoclaves and instrument sterilization systems

• Ultrasonic instrument cleaners

• Amalgam separators and waste management systems

Clinical Equipment

• Blood pressure monitors

• Pulse oximeters

• Emergency response equipment

• Oxygen delivery systems

• Nitrous delivery systems

• Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Computer and Administrative Equipment

• Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems

• Dental practice management software

• Multi-line telephones

• Printers, scanners, photocopiers, etc.

• Timekeeping and scheduling software

General Office Equipment

• Filing and storage cabinets

• Inventory management systems

• Supply ordering platforms

Protective Equipment

• Surgical masks and respirators

• Safety glasses and face shields

• Disposable and utility gloves

• Isolation gowns and protective clothing

• Hearing, respiratory, or additional safety equipment as required by KHC clinic protocols

• Proof of immunization or serology required for:

  • Tuberculosis

  • Hepatitis B

  • Influenza

  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)

  • Varicella

  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Position Type/Expected Hours:

• This is a full-time, forty (40) hours per week position. The usual workdays are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

• Evening and weekend hours may be necessary to support operational needs, including community outreach and engagement activities.

• The position may require taking Paid Time Off (PTO) or Leave Without Pay (LWP) when the dentist is on PTO or on leave for more than two days, unless the COO approves continued work necessary to maintain the Dental Department.

• Some local travel to other sites or training sessions may be required.

• Onsite at KHC’s Kahuku location.

Confidentiality

As an employee of Ko’olauloa Health Center, you are bound by principles of medical ethics. You have both a legal and moral obligation to protect the privacy of our patients. In the course of your work, you will have access to confidential information regarding patients and/or the practice’s confidential business. You must refrain from discussing any personal information about a patient, a patient’s condition, a patient’s finances, proprietary company information, personnel salaries, and/or the practice's confidential business with any third person. This includes, but is not limited to, other employees, your spouse, family, or friends. Confidentiality is so important that any breach of this policy will be considered grounds for termination. Review and signature of the Agreement is a condition of employment.

ADA Statement: The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation. It also mandates the establishment of TDD/telephone relay services.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel as qualified.

Ko‘olauloa Health Center is a drug-free and alcohol-free workplace.