DENTAL ASSISTANT

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics; Canada; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A community healthcare provider in Canada is seeking a Dental Assistant to maintain patient records, assist during appointments, and ensure cleanliness and safety in the dental clinic. The ideal candidate should possess a high school diploma, relevant certifications, and strong customer service skills. Previous experience helps, with responsibilities that include handling X-rays, educating patients, and collaborating closely with the dental team. Opportunities for growth and the chance to work in a supportive environment are provided.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must complete courses in Dental Practice Act and infection control within a year.
• X-ray certification required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain exemplary customer service with patients.
• Assist dentist in various procedures.
• Sterilize instruments and prepare exam rooms.
• Ensure patient records are updated accurately.

Skills

Customer service skills

X-ray proficiency

Laboratory procedures

Patient education

Record keeping

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

California Dental Board-approved course in the Dental Practice Act

California Dental Board-approved course in infection control

Basic life support certification

Job description

Career Opportunities with Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics

A great place to work.

Careers At Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

SUMMARY

The Dental Assistant keeps the rooms clean and assists during patient appointments. The Dental Assistant performs basic dental procedures, such as cleanings, patient e-rays, and maintains complex client records with the utmost confidentiality. The Dental Assistant is required to work with patients of all ages. The Dental Assistant reports to the Dental Clinic Manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains exemplary customer service skills with patients, vendors and co-workers.
• Takes x‑ray(s), if licensed, as authorized and prescribed by dentist(s).
• Takes impressions, pours and trims models, and performs other laboratory procedures as directed by dentist(s).
• Presents treatment plan to patient at chairside.
• Sterilizes instruments according to SBNC policies and procedures.
• Assists dentist at chairside with a variety of procedures. ( 90% percent of the time is sitting, bending and twisting while assisting)
• Provides patient-centered individual counseling, ensures that patient completes all appropriate consent forms, answers patients’ questions, provides patient education materials (for example, diet and nutritional information), instructions (oral hygiene, post‑operative instructions, denture care, etc.), and referrals as appropriate.
• Verifies patient eligibility, address, and phone number with each visit.
• Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies, and equipment.
• Cleans and stocks exam rooms before clinic, after each patient, and at the end of each clinic session.
• Maintain records of spore and Dosimeter monitoring.
• Performs inventory control and management.
• Takes accurate notes and records in patient’s electronic dental record, as dictated by dentist(s).
• Performs other reasonably related duties as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrates understanding of and observe all SBNC policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Demonstrates successful work‑related behaviors.
• Attends all required SBNC meetings and trainings.
• Interacts with patients, physicians, staff, vendors, and visitors in a positive manner that reflects the SBNC mission and philosophy.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Within a year of the date of employment, an incumbent must complete:

• A California Dental Board‑approved course in the Dental Practice Act.
• A California Dental Board‑approved course in infection control.
• A course in basic life support offered by an instructor approved by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association, or any other course approved by the board as equivalent and that provides the student the opportunity to engage in hands‑on simulated clinical scenarios.

Licensure: X‑Ray certification required.

Experience: Six months of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge of: Techniques and practices to perform assigned supportive dental procedures within the scope of licensure.
Work and patient safety practices as applicable to a dental care setting.
Hygiene practices as applicable to a dental care setting.

Ability to: Learn and use the electronic dental records (EDR) system used by SBNC.
Interact diplomatically with dentists, other staff, and patients.
Concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Follow verbal and written instructions.
Communicate effectively with patients, co‑workers, and managers.
Write common dental terms in accurately spelled English.

Preferred Qualifications: Ability to speak Spanish.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Works in close physical proximity with others, both patients and dentists, constantly through the work shift. Works with a constant schedule of patients throughout the shift.
Performs most work sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time, with frequent bending and twisting.
Uses hands to manipulate and control tools and equipment controls, with attention to accurate movements and measurements.
Quickly and repeatedly adjusts the controls of equipment to exact positions.
Keeps hand and arm steady while moving arm or holding arm and hand in one position.
Makes precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Sees details at close range, with or without magnification.
Must wear appropriate protective or safety equipment while treating patients.