Dental Assistant

To join Spectrum Healthcare Resources as a Dental Assistant, you must be a U.S. citizen and hold a certificate or associate degree from an accredited dental assistant program. Alternatively, certifications from military training or the Red Cross Dental Assistant course are acceptable. Additionally, you need to be certified in radiography and hold a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.

As a Dental Assistant at Spectrum Healthcare Resources, you will perform duties that support complex dental procedures like restorative treatments and surgeries. Your responsibilities include scheduling patients, recording medical histories, chair-side assistance with dentists, sterilizing instruments, taking radiographs, and educating patients on dental care and post-treatment instructions.

Spectrum Healthcare Resources offers a robust package of benefits for Dental Assistants, including full-time employee status with a Monday to Friday schedule. You will have access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k plan for retirement, paid time off, and 11 paid federal holidays, ensuring you have a well-rounded work-life balance.

A successful Dental Assistant at Spectrum Healthcare Resources should have strong communication skills to effectively liaise between patients and the dental team. Organizational skills are essential for managing patient records and scheduling. Additionally, having technical skills to operate dental equipment and a solid understanding of dental procedures will enhance your ability to provide exceptional patient care.

To apply for the Dental Assistant position at Spectrum Healthcare Resources in Oak Harbor, you should reach out directly to Laura Hatcher at 314-744-4156 or via email at Laura_Hatcher@spectrumhealth.com. Ensure your resume highlights your relevant qualifications and experience to stand out in the application process.

When answering what inspired you to become a Dental Assistant, consider sharing a personal story or experience that led to your passion for dental care. This not only reflects your genuine interest in the field but also reveals your commitment to patient care.

In answering about your experience with sterilization practices, focus on specific methods you’ve used in previous roles, emphasizing compliance with OSHA and infection control standards. Sharing examples of how you maintain cleanliness in the dental environment will exhibit your attention to detail.

When discussing how to handle difficult patient situations, highlight your communication skills and patience. Provide an example where you successfully defused a challenging interaction, showing your ability to remain calm and empathetic.

For remembering patients' medical histories, mention methods like detailed note-taking during appointments and utilizing digital records efficiently. Highlight any software you’re familiar with, such as Dentrix or MHS Genesis, which is a key part of your role at Spectrum Healthcare Resources.

In responding about the most important role of a Dental Assistant, emphasize the dual nature of providing clinical support and ensuring patient comfort. This shows awareness of the high-stakes environment and the need for thorough care.

To illustrate how you stay updated on dental practices, mention attending continuing education courses, reading industry publications, or being a member of dental associations. This conveys your commitment to professional growth.

When asked about teamwork, share a specific example of a successful project in a dental setting where collaboration led to enhanced patient outcomes or improved office efficiency. Focus on your role in fostering communication and support within the team.

Discussing how to handle questions you don’t know the answer to is crucial. Emphasize the importance of seeking help from the dentist or referencing resources. This shows your commitment to providing accurate information and reliable patient care.

For your experience with dental radiography, outline the types of radiographs you’ve taken, your training on radiography equipment, and your adherence to safety protocols. This demonstrates your competence in this technical aspect of the Dental Assistant role.

When asked why you want to work at Spectrum Healthcare Resources, reference their commitment to serving military personnel and Veterans, your desire to work in a unique health care setting, and any personal insights you have regarding the company culture reflecting their values of excellence and compassion.