Bilingual Dental Assistant

Position Summary
Pillars Community Health is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Dental Assistant to join our dental team. This position plays an essential role in supporting clinical operations by assisting dentists and dental hygienists with a wide range of procedures, such as referrals, sets up operatory, sterilizes tools, sanitizes chairs and equipment according to standard, monitor patients during treatment, provides clerical, clinical and maintenance support for the effective functioning of the Dental Center.  The ideal candidate will contribute to a positive patient experience by providing high-quality clinical and administrative support, ensuring operatory readiness, maintaining equipment sterilization, and offering Spanish-English interpretation services to improve communication and access to care.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist dentists and hygienists during clinical procedures, including oral surgeries
• Prepare treatment rooms, sterilize instruments, and maintain infection control standards
• Educate patients about oral hygiene and post-treatment care; distribute educational materials
• Provide accurate and professional Spanish-English interpretation and translation for patients and providers
• Support the fabrication of night guards and other patient appliances
• Schedule appointments and manage patient flow
• Perform clerical duties, including recordkeeping and documentation in compliance with HIPAA and agency protocols
• Maintain patient confidentiality and uphold all OSHA, infection control, and radiation safety standards
• Participate in ongoing professional development and contribute to a collaborative team environment
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications
Education & Certification

• High school diploma or GED required
• Current Illinois Dental Assistant Certification preferred
• Coronal Polishing Certification preferred
• CPR certification required or completion is required upon starting.

Experience

• Prior experience working as a Dental Assistant is required, with experience conducting patient education, cleaning, sterilizing, and maintaining dental equipment.
• Experience in community health or nonprofit settings is preferred, but not required.

Skills & Competencies

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is required
• Chairside Assistance
• Ability to communicate dental procedures and terminology to and with patients & dental professionals.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, demonstrates flexibility, and teamwork
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Professional demeanor with a commitment to patient-centered care

Working Conditions

This position primarily operates within a clinical dental setting and may require standing for extended periods. Occasional travel to other organizational sites or meetings may be necessary.

Why Join Pillars Community Health?

Pillars Community Health is a mission-driven organization dedicated to providing compassionate, integrated care in a community health setting. We offer a collaborative work environment, opportunities for ongoing training, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients. If you are passionate about delivering high-quality dental care and making a difference in your community, we encourage you to apply!

Wage and benefits:

$17.50 – $22.00/hour

*Wage will be based on assessment of clinical tiers and increases as competencies are achieved.

• Accrual of 16 days of paid time off for vacation, sick, and personal time
• Supplemental bank of paid time off for extended illnesses
• 12 paid holidays (including floating holidays)
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision offerings (including generous contributions toward employee coverage)
• Professional development
• Employer paid life insurance and short and long-term disability
• FSA, Accident, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, Voluntary Life, Employee Assistance Program,
• Wellness & Perks discount programs
• 401(k) with company match and complimentary sessions with a financial advisor.