Dental Assistant - - Milwaukee, WI

About Third Ward Dental Founded in 2006, Third Ward Dental is the only dental practice in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. Third Ward Dental is a small but growing practice focused on excellent patient care and a welcoming environment. Position Description The Dental Assistant (DA) is responsible for the overall patient experience, relying on exceptional customer service, clinical proficiency, and teamwork. The DA assists the doctor smoothly and unobtrusively during examinations and treatment, performs clinical and technical procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist, prepares the operatory and equipment, gets the patient ready, and maintains awareness of the comfort and safety needs of patients. The DA supports the team by building strong patient relationships and ensuring a positive, flawless patient experience from reception to departure. Essential Performance Outcomes Clinical Excellence: Ensure treatment rooms are sterilized, prepared accurately, and support the completion of procedures efficiently and to the expected standard of care. Patient Advocacy: Foster a comfortable, respected, and positive patient experience through clear communication, resulting in consistently high satisfaction and understanding of their treatment and home care. Documentation & Imaging: Produce diagnostically acceptable imaging and maintain thorough, accurate treatment notes that support claims and patient records. Operational Reliability: Maintain a dependable presence and proactive management of supplies and equipment to ensure seamless daily workflow and team support. Essential Functions to Achieve Outcomes Clinical Support & Operatory Management Prepare, organize, and sterilize instruments, equipment, and operatories in strict adherence to infection control protocols. Assist the dentist chairside during a wide variety of procedures (including specialty work) by anticipating needs, transferring instruments, and maintaining a dry, visible field. Gather comprehensive diagnostic information, including taking radiographs, intraoral pictures, and digital scans/impressions. Manage lab cases (in/out) and fabricate temporary restorations and appliances. Enter and update patient medical history, take vitals, and accurately chart clinical information and treatment plans in practice management software. Monitor, organize, and track clinical supplies and inventory. Patient Care & Technology Integration Serve as the primary clinical contact for patients, greeting, escorting, and ensuring comfort from arrival to departure. Educate patients on their dental problems, prescribed treatment, proper oral hygiene, and post-operative care instructions. Ensure all necessary informed consent forms are signed and communicated clearly to the patient. Perform administrative tasks such as chair-side scheduling, uploading images, and assisting with front-office duties during downtime. Utilize and adapt clinical workflows to integrate digital systems, including AI-supported diagnostics, imaging, charting tools, and digital scanners (e.g., for aligner or guard fabrication). Perform post-operative follow-up calls to patients as needed. Success Metrics Patient Satisfaction: Consistently positive feedback regarding clinical support and chairside manner. Efficiency: >80% of appointments completed within the scheduled time frame. Accuracy: <5% error rate on procedural setups and less than 5% of claims resulting from documentation error. Compliance: 100% adherence to sterilization protocols and infection control procedures. Reliability: No more than 3 instances of tardiness or unexcused absences within any rolling 90-day period. Scheduling & Attendance Requirements This is an in-office position requiring direct patient interaction. Regular business hours are Monday – Thursday, with occasional Fridays scheduled in advance. Attendance at morning huddles, team meetings, and required continuing education sessions is mandatory. Required Skills & Activities Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR & first aid certificate (or must be obtained within 6 months of hire). Proficiency with dental practice management software and clinical technology (e.g., digital scanners, intra-oral cameras). Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills. Strict compliance with all State, Federal, and practice regulations (OSHA, HIPAA, etc.). Education & Experience High school diploma or equivalent required. Two or more years’ experience at a dental office in a similar position preferred. Physical Requirements Prolonged periods of standing, walking, sitting, and bending throughout the workday. Manual dexterity and fine motor skills to handle instruments and materials with precision. Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 25 pounds (e.g., equipment, supply boxes). Extended use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, masks, and eye protection. Pay: $24.00 - $26.00 per hour Benefits: Dental insurance Free parking Health insurance On-the-job training Paid time off Experience: dental assisting: 1 year (Preferred) Work Location: In person

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