Are you looking for an opportunity to do amazing work helping others? You've come to the right place. Let's make a difference!

Primary Health Care (PHC) was founded in 1981 by Dr. Bery Engebretsen in Des Moines, IA. Our mission has remained unchanged since that time, to provide healthcare and supportive services to all, regardless of insurance, immigration status, or ability to pay.

Based on the needs of the communities we serve, PHC offers a spectrum of medical and dental services including family practice, behavioral health, HIV care and services, and pharmacy. PHC’s Homeless Support Services is the entry point for serving people experiencing homelessness in Polk County. Enabling services are available to help patients with benefits enrollment, case management, transportation, translation, and patient education. We currently have locations in Ames, Des Moines, & Marshalltown.

As a Dental Assistant, you will provide quality care and services to patients by assisting dentists and staff in a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties in accordance with all policies, procedures and regulations. You will impact the efficiency and productivity of patient flow through timely, accurate and professional preparation of patients and patient information.

What's Great About this Position?

• Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to welcome patients to a safe and inclusive environment and to engage patients in holistic care.

• No evenings or weekends. This position typically works 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM.

• We sponsor high performing Dental Assistants to train for the expanded functions certification. We also encourage continuing education by offering one day of paid time annually for you to attend training as well as continuing education reimbursement for full-time Dental Assistants.

• Earn 4 weeks of PTO throughout your first year of employment and enjoy paid holidays as well.

  What You Will Do

• Facilitates positive patient experiences in the dental clinic while ensuring efficient and productive patient flow.

• Prepares operatory procedure set up and materials for patient visit.

• Greets and establishes rapport with patient, ensuring patient is treated with care and compassion throughout visit.

• Collects and records patient blood pressure, pulse, and health history.

• Collects and submits all patient services and billing information.

• Assists the care provider and supports the patient in the provision of optimal comprehensive care, before, during and after procedures.

• Completes dental x-rays in compliance with regulatory codes.

• Minimizes risk of radiation exposure to employees and patients applying proper procedures.

• Supports laboratory by pouring and trimming study models.

• Performs direct patient care as delegated by the dentist.

• Instructs patients and family members on general oral health care and information related to post-treatment care.

• Ensures services and patient education aligned with patient’s age and physical, psychosocial, educational, safety and cultural needs.

• Prepares and maintains dental instruments, materials, and equipment. Maintains documents for equipment maintenance as well as instrument and supply inventory.

• Performs pre-cleaning and transport of contaminated instruments and may perform sterile processing of instruments as assigned.

• Completes and maintains patient records and related documents in compliance with all regulations.

• Provides backup support for the front desk staff as needed.

  Qualifications You Need to Bring

• Completion of accredited dental assisting program or equivalent training meeting Iowa Dental Board requirements.

• Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn different software and database systems.

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Detail oriented with high degree of accuracy.

• Demonstrates professionalism with ability to remain calm in all situations and show empathy.

• Licenses & Certifications:

• Current QDA Registration through the Iowa Dental Board

• *Mandatory Reporter Training: Child and Dependent Adult Abuse recognized by the Iowa

• *Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers Certification recognized by the American Heart Association.

  *Must be obtained during introductory period if not current.

  We Take Care of Our Employees!

  Your experience and skills determine your base pay. The hiring range for this position is typically $17.00 - $21.25 per hour. Candidates with extensive work experience related to this position may be considered for additional compensation up to the pay grade maximum of 25.50 per hour. PHC also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous PTO accrual (equal to 4 weeks by the end of 1st year) plus paid holidays

• One day paid to attend continuing education & continuing education reimbursement

• License/certification fee reimbursement

• Tuition reimbursement program

• 401k with company match

• Medical insurance

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Life & disability insurance

• Flexible spending & health savings accounts

• Supplemental accident & critical illness insurance

• Discounts on pet insurance

  Visit https://phciowa.org/careers for a summary of PHC’s benefits.

  Join the PHC Community

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