At Mid-State Health Center, care starts with people—and that includes our team. We’re a mission-driven, not-for-profit health center serving the people of central New Hampshire through compassionate, high-quality care. Our integrated model supports patients across primary care, behavioral health, dental, substance use treatment, advanced imaging, childcare, and so much more.

With nearly 15,000 patients served, our work reaches every corner of the community—and it all starts with a dedicated team. At Mid-State, you’ll be part of a supportive, collaborative environment that values whole-person care, innovation, and doing good—for those we serve and for one another.

We offer competitive pay based on experience and credentials, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with match; paid time off and holidays; tuition reimbursement; professional development support; flexible spending accounts; life, cancer, and accident insurance; and access to an employee assistance program. More than a job, this is a place where your work matters and your impact is real.

Mid-State Health Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

ORGANIZATIONAL MISSION: The mission of Mid-State Health Center is to provide sound primary care to the community, accessible to all regardless of their ability to pay.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES: Under general supervision, dental assistants provide technical assistance to dental professionals in clinical dental care; and perform related duties as assigned. Dental assistant duties consist of preparing the operatory and patient for the dental appointment, sterilizing instruments, organizing and maintaining dental supplies, assisting the dentist during dental procedures, maintaining dental equipment, and front-office support, as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Reports to Dental Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Answer patient questions before an appointment.
2. Greet patients in reception area and escort patients to dental clinic at appointment.
3. Prepare patients for dental procedures by making them comfortable and providing any instructions.
4. Review medical and dental history, determine if there have been any changes in the patients’ health since last visit and alert dentist to any significant findings.
5. Obtain vital signs from patients if requested by the dentist.
6. Sterilize dental instruments and equipment and place for easy access.
7. Prepare the dental exam room for use by the dentist by making sure it is stocked and organized.
8. Assist the dentist during procedures, including passing instruments, getting supplies, using the suction tube to keep the patient’s mouth dry and  anticipating dentists’ needs.
9. Assist with dental lab work and track lab cases.
10. Instruct patients on dental hygiene, post-operative care, and proper care of dental fixtures.
11. Schedule follow-up appointments as assigned.
12. Make follow-up phone calls as assigned.
13. Perform support tasks needed in the clinic, such as maintenance of equipment, laundry, cleaning as requested by the dental director.
14. Keep patient records.
15. Demonstrate strong computer skills and willingness to be trained in clinical software.
16. Coordinate referrals generated by the dental department, sending and obtaining radiographs and health records as needed. Follow up on dental referrals and maintain up-to-date tracking records.
17. Support the front desk staff in completing and explaining treatment plans.
18. Maintain dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
19. Conserve dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
20. Maintain dental equipment per manufacturer guidelines.
21. Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks.
22. Other duties as assigned.

The job holder must demonstrate current competencies applicable to the job position.

EDUCATION: High School Graduate or GED

EXPERIENCE:  Experience preferred.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:  Qualified dental assistant including certification in Preliminary Inspection of the Oral Cavity, Infection Control, and Radiology preferred.

SKILLS and APTITUDES/KNOWLEDGE and ABILITIES:

1. Working with people. Dental assistants routinely work with patients who are in pain, are in a hurry, or don’t want to be there. Excellent people skills is a requirement.
2. Explaining things. Dental assistants spend a lot of time explaining things such as dental hygiene, proper care of dental fixtures, and proper use of toothbrushes and other dental tools.
3. Staying focused. While the dentist is working on a patient, the dental assistant should be able to pay close attention and anticipate the dentist’s needs. Attention to detail is important.
4. Staying organized. Part of a dental assistant’s job description involves organizing clinical areas as well as clerical/patient support areas.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  None

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of standing, sitting, or bending while performing dental procedures.
• Frequent use of hands, wrists, and fingers for fine motor tasks such as instrument handling and charting.
• Ability to lift and carry dental equipment, supply boxes, or patient care items weighing up to 25–30 lbs.
• Adequate vision (corrected or uncorrected) and manual dexterity to perform detailed clinical work.
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods, including masks, gloves, eyewear, and gowns.

Mental Demands

• Ability to concentrate on detailed tasks for extended periods in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills for patient care and procedure planning.
• Emotional resilience to manage patient anxiety or discomfort while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor.
• Effective communication skills for interacting with patients, families, and team members.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing schedules, procedures, or emergencies.

Environmental and Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in a dental clinic or office setting.
• Regular exposure to:
  • Dental instruments, equipment noise, and vibration.
  • Bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, and other biohazards.
  • Chemical agents such as disinfectants, sterilization solutions, and dental materials.
• Frequent use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including masks, gloves, gowns, face shields, and protective eyewear.
• Moderate noise levels and bright lighting typical of a clinical environment.
• May require occasional overtime, evening, or weekend hours based on patient scheduling or emergencies.
• Involves close interaction with patients of diverse backgrounds, some of whom may experience pain, anxiety, or behavioral challenges.