Dental Assistant

Company: Greater Valley Health Center
Location: Kalispell
Posted on: February 14, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Salary: Greater Valley Health Center (GVHC) recognizes employees are at the heart of our ability to meet the needs of our patients and community. We invite every employee to contribute at the highest possible level. This position description is provided to outline the primary duties, qualifications, and job scope. It is not intended to limit the employee or GVHC to just the work identified. We expect each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors. Job Purpose: Performs dental assistant functions under the appropriate supervision and scope of practice. The Dental Assistant is responsible for assisting the dental provider with dental procedures as appropriate; providing patient education for oral health and well-being; receiving and routing to telephone calls and inquiries regarding dental services and scheduling patients in dental provider appointment schedules as necessary. The Dental Assistant is responsible to the Executive Director (Administrative Duties) and the Dentist (clinical duties). Qualifications: Essential: Must be a high school graduate or equivalent, preferably supplemented by course work or training in dental procedures. Must have successfully completed a MT board-approved written radiography examination at the time of employment or within 6 months of employment. Current BLS certification Experience: Desirable: Preference to applicant with prior experience in a community health center based dental practice. Preference to candidate who is a graduate of an ADA-accredited dental assisting program. Knowledge & Skills: Essential: Must possess personal and professional knowledge necessary for the performance of the assigned work and be suitable for employment as evidenced by evaluation. Must understand infection control and cross contamination issues in a dental setting.Strong oral and written communication skills. Abilities: Essential: Ability to accept and utilize supervision. Ability to work with other members of the health care team. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple interruptions. Special Requirements: Essential: Have and maintain a valid Montanas driver license. Main Duties & Responsibilities of the Role: Assisting the dentist during dental procedures Cleaning, sterilizing, disinfecting and placing barriers in the dental operatories Preparing and maintaining dental instruments, supplies and equipment Collecting and recording patient health histories and conducting dental charting as assigned Preparing dental materials, cements, amalgam, composite, etc. Providing inventory review and ordering supplies Managing the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC and ADA standards Assisting in front office duties including appointment scheduling and confirmation, patient reception, and patient records management Participating in GVHC Quality Assurance activities as they pertain to dentistry. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with fellow employees, supervisors, and the public. Performing other duties as assigned within the Registered Dental Assistant scope of practice. Working Environment: Work is mainly performed in a clinic dental setting with dental equipment, computer/phone work and moderate noise. Standing, bending, sitting, lifting, walking, stooping required. You may be required to travel to different clinic locations. Freedom to Act & Decision Making: Work independently to complete tasks; use sound judgment but ask questions if needed; show initiative for work/work flow improvements. Communication & Networking: Clear and detailed written and/or verbal communication with patients, patient family members, co-workers, and providers is required. Finance & Resource Management: Uses supplies and equipment efficiently. People Management: Non-supervisory position. This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the changing of the post.

Keywords: Greater Valley Health Center, Missoula , Dental Assistant, Healthcare , Kalispell, Montana