Responsible for assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient oral health care.  Responsible for assisting dentists, in coordination with other health care team members, according to Dental Health Center (DHC) policies and procedures.  The patients served include infant, pediatric, adolescent and adult. The dental assistant will report directly to the DHC manager and will work closely with the manager and DHC director.

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.  Here are just a few:      

• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   

• Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  

• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.   

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Clinical Excellence/Patient Care

• Provides professional dental assistant leadership through compliance with established department routines, policies, and procedures.                                                     
• Coordinates and directs patient care activities by identifying those activities that require the judgment and skill of a dental assistant.
• Supports chairside services by ensuring proper and efficient steps are taken to complete predetermined procedures and to ensure positive patient care and best outcomes.
• Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development.
• Continually strives to enhance technical and clinical competencies in all job-related duties.
• Specialty certifications encouraged.
• Participates in appropriated professional organizations.
• Complies with established infection control and risk management policies and procedures.

Patient Education

• Provides educational opportunities to patient, families and other health care associates based on pediatric/adult teaching-learning concepts.
• Frequently uses preventive-focused dialogue with patients, families, and caregivers.
• Assists in the orientation of new associates, dental students and pediatric dental residents by acting as a resource to learner, collaborating with dentists and manager.

Team Concept

• Demonstrates flexibility and self-direction in meeting patient and department needs by responding as a team member. Able to see the whole clinic schedule.
• Participate in mandatory education and department staff meetings, per established guidelines.
• ·Participates in department and hospital-wide committees and performance improvement activities.
• ·Assists with proper maintenance of dental equipment and assurance of adequate dental supplies.

Basic UPH Performance Criteria         

• Demonstrates the UnityPoint Health Values and Standards of Behaviors as well as adheres to policies and procedures and safety guidelines.
• Demonstrates ability to meet business needs of department with regular, reliable attendance.
• Employee maintains current licenses and/or certifications required for the position.
• Practices and reflects knowledge of HIPAA, TJC, DNV, OSHA and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.
• Completes all annual education and competency requirements within the calendar year.
• Is knowledgeable of hospital and department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse.  Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of hospital administrative staff.  Takes appropriate action on concerns reported by department staff related to compliance.

• Completion of accredited dental assistant program
• Possess a current Iowa Dental Assistant License
• Maintain BLS certification
• Maintain mandatory reporting certification
• Possess a valid driver’s license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons
• Writes, reads, comprehends, and speaks fluent English
• Exhibits multicultural sensitivity
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office
• Customer/patient focused
• Critical thinking skills using independent judgment in making decisions.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the manual skills and techniques required to perform basic/advanced dental assisting procedures.
• Demonstrates skill, organization and efficiency in performing required patient care activities
• Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.