Dental Assistant – Mobile Dental Program

Job Description Summary:

• Under the supervision of the Manager and the Program Coordinator, the Dental Assistant II will provide operational, administrative, and patient support services for the Mobile Dental Program. This role supports access to care for pediatric and special needs populations by coordinating patient scheduling, registration, follow-up, and mobile dental program operations.

Where You Will Work:

On our mobile dental van that supports various locations throughout the Chicagoland community!

What You'll Do:

Schedule: The Dental Assistant will work approximately 10 days per month on the mobile dental unit. Operation days vary, but generally occur Monday- Thursday with an occasional weekend event. 3 to 4 days per week. Hours are typically 9am-3pm (may vary). Travel is required to various sites. Location may vary, with some locations including Oak Lawn, Parkridge, and Wheeling. The Dental Assistant will work approximately 10 days per month on the mobile dental unit. Operation days vary, but generally occur Monday- Thursday with an occasional weekend event. Position would be a mix of chair-side assisting and non-clinical admin duties.

• Assist in the coordination and delivery of care within a mobile dental unit in community settings.
• Prepare and maintain mobile operatories and equipment.
• Support patient registration, intake, and check-in processes at community sites.
• Coordinate patient flow and assist with documentation and record management.
• Schedule appointments and manage mobile clinic schedules.
• Communicate with patients, families, schools, and community partners regarding appointments and program services.
• Conduct follow-up communications and recall outreach.
• Assist with obtaining and maintaining required patient forms and documentation.
• Support care coordination for pediatric and special needs patients.
• Participate in community outreach events and mobile program activities as assigned.

Clinic and Administrative Support:

• Schedule patient appointments and manage provider schedules.
• Check patients in and out of appointments.
• Verify patient demographic and insurance information as applicable.
• Coordinate referrals and follow-up appointments.
• Contact patients regarding treatment plans, missed appointments, and recall visits.
• Maintain accurate patient records and documentation within the electronic health record.
• Assist with inventory management and supply ordering.
• Ensure treatment rooms, equipment, and supplies are organized and ready for patient care.
• Clean, disinfect, and sterilize instruments and equipment in accordance with infection control standards.
• Maintain stocked, organized, and functional treatment areas.
• Perform basic laboratory procedures as assigned.
• Support quality improvement and patient satisfaction initiatives.
• Place an emphasis on patient safety, compliance, and high-quality patient service.

Expectations:

• Provide compassionate, patient-centered service.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, community partners, and team members.
• Maintain a professional and respectful environment.
• Demonstrate strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Attend required trainings and team meetings.
• Comply with all regulatory, safety, infection control, and organizational requirements.

About this Mobile Dental Program:

The Advocate Mobile Dental Program operates a fully equipped two treatment room 40’ mobile dental van that delivers dental care where it is needed most at various sites in the community. The mobile program works specifically with 18 partner sites throughout the city of Chicago and greater Chicagoland area to provide much needed care, and for over 20 years it has been a reliable source of dental care for those in need. The communities include low-income neighborhoods as well as groups who face special challenges accessing dental care without support such as children, seniors, individuals with mental illness and other disabilities, and people who have recently experienced homelessness.

We're Looking For:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1-2 years dental assistant.
• Good communication skills. Good customer service skills.
• Current CPR certification. (will provide upon hire)
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) highly preferred.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Current CPR certification. (will provide upon hire)
• Completion of Coronal Polishing/Application of Pit & Fissure Sealant Course Approved by the Illinois State Dental Society.
• If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.