Job Title: Dental 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 ~ $22 / hour depending on experience

Job Description & Overview:
Ko‘olauloa Health Center (KHC) is committed to ensuring the delivery of quality care through continuous evidence-based improvements. The Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) standards, a nationally recognized evidence-based model for quality improvement and quality care implemented at KHC. All employees are a part of the PCMH and are required to actively participate in quality initiatives, including training and evaluation projects. Employees are expected to demonstrate and promote team-based, and patient centered interactions with other staff members and patients/members/clients. Consistent with that, the role of the Dental Assistant is to perform patient care activities by performing routine clinical and administrative tasks under the direction of the dentist and Chief Operations Officer (COO) in an efficient, effective, safe, and quality-oriented manner according to established policies and protocols.

This document outlines the responsibilities, qualifications, and progression for three levels of
Dental Assistant positions within the organization. Each level builds upon the previous one,
with increasing scope, autonomy, and leadership responsibilities.

Position Summaries:

Dental Assistant I – Entry Level
Primarily responsible for assisting the dentist in the clinical treatment of patients, performing 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, and managing operatory readiness with minimal supervision. 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 assistants, oversees infection control compliance, and assists in training new staff.

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

• Regularly required to talk or listen.

• Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms.

Mental Demands:

• Attention to detail, alertness, problem-solving skills, tolerance to stress, and sound judgment.

• Mathematical ability, scientific logic, abstract thinking, and intuitive senses.

• Ability to set priorities and work with multiple distractions and interruptions.

• Ability to work effectively with a diverse workforce and patient base.

Communication Demands:

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

• Communicate clearly and effectively with diverse populations.

• Ability to work with difficult patients, including the mentally ill, individuals with substance use disorders, and those experiencing homelessness.

• Frequent communication with co-workers, patients, providers, and families in person and by phone.

Working Conditions:

• Professional dental office environment.

• Use of standard chairside dental equipment and office equipment.

• Exposure to COVID-19 and other contaminants; compliance with PPE requirements is mandatory.

Equipment Use:

• Standard dental instruments and equipment.

• Computers, phones, photocopiers, scanners, and other office equipment.

Position Type/Expected Hours:
This is a full-time position, and the hours of work and days are Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The position may require taking Paid Time Off (PTO) or Leave Without Pay (LWP) when the dentist is on PTO or leave for an extended period greater than two days unless the COO approved continued work necessary to the upkeep of the Dental Department.

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.