Dental Assistant / EDDA
Company: SWLA Center for Health Services
Location: Lafayette
Posted on: February 13, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description Salary: DOE SWLA CENTER FOR
HEALTH SERVICES JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Dental Assistant
DEPARTMENT: Dental SUPERVISED BY: Chief Dental Officer SUMMARY:
This position is a fulltime, non-exempt responsible for assisting
the Dentist(s) and Dental Hygienist(s) in the direct provision of
primary care dental services to patients of the center. The Dental
Assistant is also responsible for sterilization, preparation and
inventory control of dental instruments and supplies. EDUCATION,
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: High school graduate or GED certificate.
Completion of accredited course in dental assisting preferred.
Ability to attend to multiple tasks at the same time and to
prioritize assignments and responsibilities to ensure compliance
with established deadlines and protocols. Effective oral and
written communication skills in English are required. Effective
oral communication skills Spanish preferred. Certified Dental
Assistant preferred. Current CPR (BLA) required. Requires a
comprehensive knowledge of dental assisting techniques and
procedures for all phases of general dentistry. Knowledge of modern
dental materials. Their storage, handling and applications are
required. The Dental Assistant must be cognizant of the
expectations and concerns of the centers dental patients and be
able to respond in an empathetic and professional manner. The
ability to work with persons from a wide diversity of social,
ethnic and economic backgrounds is necessary. The Dental Assistant
must be able to creatively work with other health care
professionals from a variety of disciplines to achieve maximal
results for the centers patient forma, a system of integrated
primary health care. The ability to distinguish letters and symbols
as well the ability to utilize telephones, computer terminals and
copiers is required. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Assists patients in
resolving minor difficulties, answering questions, and giving
directions as authorized by the dentist. Chair-side assisting
abilities, including four-handed dentistry capability in
administration of treatment. Prepare operatory for patient
treatment as per Dental Department protocols and dentists specific
instructions, including greeting patients and escorting to the
operatory. Expose and develop radiographs, knowledge of radiograph
software. Compliance with Dental Department directives and
protocols relative to Infection Control, Exposure Control and
Safety Issues. Maintenance of dental equipment, supplies, clinical
area, and thorough knowledge of dental charting software. Place and
receive necessary telephone calls consistent with professional
maters, clinic business, and patient care. Assist with various
clinical and administrative functions of the center, including
appropriate utilization of teamwork. Ensure sterility of all
re-usable dental instruments in accordance with protocols,
including necessary documentation. Ensure proper disposal of all
contaminated or potentially contaminated materials. Use of Personal
Protective Equipment and universal precautions and maintain a
sterile and neat working environment. Attendance to work,
processing patients in a timely manner, and can perform job duties
with minimal supervision. Supply ordering an inventory record
keeping. Reports to work on time and is ready to work in designated
work area. Review daily schedule to set up appropriate trays and
instruments. Works effectively with all disciplines and corrective
criticism from supervisors. Desire to want to lean more or further
ones dental knowledge by application of herself. MISSION AND
CUSTOMER SERVICE: Demonstrate the Mission and acts in ways that
advance the best interest of the customers entrusted to our care.
Positively represents SWLA Center for Health Services (SWLA) in the
workplace and the community. Present a professional image: apparel
and appearance are appropriate according to SWLA department dress
code. Demonstrate effective communication and listens attentively
to the customer and promptly acts upon requests with consideration
for patient privacy. Keep the customer informed about their care
and treatment in a comfortable atmosphere. Respect the gifts and
talents (the diversity that co-workers bring to their jobs) of each
other. Demonstrates effective communication and assists co-workers
as necessary. Respect the privacy and confidentiality of the
customers we serve, our physicians, co-workers and the community.
Practices safe work habits and maintain a safe environment for
self, co-workers, patients, and visitors. Work collaboratively to
solve problems, improve processes, and develop services. Acts as an
advocate for our customers. Complies with organization/department
policies and procedures, including but not limited to
confidentiality, safety, cooperation/flexibility and attendance.
Understands and complies with applicable federal/state laws and
Standards of Conduct as related to assigned job duties.
Participates in departmental or organizational quality. Continuous
performance improvement activity.
Keywords: SWLA Center for Health Services, Baton Rouge , Dental Assistant / EDDA, Healthcare , Lafayette, Louisiana
