Dental Assistant

Modoc Medical Center; California (MO); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Modoc Medical Center in California is looking for a Dental Assistant to support dentists and ensure patient comfort during treatments. Responsibilities include preparing patients, sterilizing instruments, and assisting during procedures.

The ideal candidate needs a high school diploma, a current dental x-ray license for California, and CPR certification. Strong communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are crucial for success in this role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Must possess a current dental x-ray license for California.
• Current CPR certification is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for dental treatment and assist the dentist during procedures.
• Maintain sterilization of instruments and a clean working environment.
• Perform basic supportive dental procedures under supervision.

Skills

Patient care skills

Interpersonal communication

Basic computer knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Current dental x-ray license for California

Current CPR certification

Tools

Microsoft Office applications

Job description

Dental Assistant# Dental AssistantStart Date 06/15/2026## OverviewSalary Range$21.83 - $31.92 HourlyPosition TypeFull TimeEducation LevelHigh School/Equivalent## Description**POSITION SUMMARY:**Reporting to the Clinic Manager, as well as working under both the Registered Dental Assistant and the Dentist, the dental assistant performs such duties as preparing the patient for dental treatment, assisting the dentist at the chair in restorative dentistry or oral surgery, preparing materials and setting up the correct equipment for the dentist’s use. The dental assistant sterilizes instruments. She/he also helps establish a friendly, warm atmosphere for her/his patients, keeping them calm and at ease as much as possible.***This position description is intended to identify some of the duties and responsibilities of this position. MODOC MEDICAL CENTER reserves the right to modify, supplement, delete or augment the duties and responsibilities specified in this position description, at MODOC MEDICAL CENTER’S sole and absolute discretion.*****POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:**General Competencies:1. Aids the dentist in the administration of treatment through proper chairside procedure.2. Maintains responsibility and obligation primarily with the dental practitioner.3. Remains with the dentist while he/she is with a patient to assist with the procedure.4. Provides proper instruments, at the correct time in the proper sequence for any given treatment procedure.5. Prepares dental material correctly, as needed, and in the amount of time sufficient for the procedure but not so much as to allow wasting of materials.6. Maintains a clean, sterile, and neat working environment.7. Makes sure that all forms for consent are signed by the patient.8. Takes necessary course to take dental x-rays in California.9. Completes all chairside clean-up procedures before any patient is seated.10. Disinfects any portion of the dental chair exposed to saliva or the oral cavity before any patient is seated.11. Sterilizes every item according to its correct sterilization procedures.12. Changes gloves before each patient is treated.13. Acquainting the patient with the aspects of their dental visit, and providing support and compassion to that patient when it is needed.14. Following the directions and responsibilities associated with the dental assistant’s rotating assignments as delegated.15. Cleans and organized lab.16. Cleans and maintains equipment.17. Stocks rooms and puts in order tabs.General Supervision Competencies:The following are duties allowed under the general supervision of the dentist. A dental assistant may perform such basic supportive dental procedures under the dentist. Such procedures shall be checked and approved by the supervising dentist prior to dismissal of the patient from the office of said dentist. 1. The Dental assistant may only accept those duties that lie within personal skill level.2. Examine orthodontic appliances.3. Operate radiographic equipment.4. Mouth-mirror inspection of oral cavity, including charting of obvious lesions, existing restorations, and missing teeth.5. Extra-oral duties or functions specified by the supervising dentist.6. Anticipates the sequence of dental procedures and is prepared in advance for them so that the dentist can work as efficiently as possible.Direct Supervision Competencies:The following are allowable duties under direct supervision of the dentist. A dental assistant may perform such basic supportive dental procedures as the following under the control and full professional responsibility of the supervising dentist. Such procedures shall be checked and approved by the supervising dentist prior to dismissal of the patient from the office of said dentist. 1. Remove arch wires.2. Check for loose bands.3. Cure restorative or orthodontic materials in operative site with light-curing device.4. Apply topical fluoride after scaling and polishing by dentist or RDH.5. Take impressions for diagnostic and opposing models.6. Take impressions for bleaching trays, temporary crowns and sports guards.7. Hold anterior matrices.8. Place, wedge or remove matrices.9. Assist with nitrous oxide analgesia/sedation under specific conditions.10. Take intraoral measurements for orthodontic procedures.11. Place elastic orthodontic separators.12. Remove orthodontic separators.13. Remove periodontal dressings.14. Remove post-extraction dressings.15. Seat adjusted retainers and headgear, including appropriate instructions.16. Place and remove rubber dams.17. Remove sutures.18. Take impressions for temporary crowns and bridges.Specific Competencies:1. Attends staff meetings.2. Utilizes facility procedure manuals or reference materials as appropriate.3. Seats patients, verifies patient Medical history, medications, chief complaint, and updates information in computer programs.4. Communicates appropriately, respectfully, and clearly to doctors, managers, and coworkers.5. Schedules appointments attempting to keep a smooth patient flow.6. Sends referrals to other agencies.7. Sends requests for pre-authorization to insurance companies.8. Makes sure patient has a medical clearance as needed.9. Will pull charts ahead of each dental day, and check forms to see if they need to be updated.10. Files charts and x-rays after each dental day.11. Performs all assigned tasks accurately.12. Maintains daily patient log.13. Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to do extra work as needed on an interim basis. May be cross-trained for other positions and may be required to work in those positions as needed.14. Performs other duties as assigned.Professional Requirements:1. Adheres to dress code; appearance is neat and professional.2. Must wear scrubs and closed toed shoes.3. Wears X-ray badge.4. Completes annual education requirements if applicable.5. Maintains regulatory requirements.6. Wears identification while on duty.7. Attends annual evaluation and participates actively in this process.8. Reports to work on time and as scheduled; completes work in designated time.9. Attends all meetings as appropriate.10. Exhibits the mission, ethics and goals of Modoc Medical Center in the performance of job duties11. Performs other duties, as assigned.**WORKING CONDITIONS:**1. Works with others, exposure to public/staff/providers, fast work pace, frequent changes and interruptions.2. Willingness to work beyond normal working hours and in other position, temporarily when necessary.3. Is involved with client, personnel, visitors, and government agencies, etc., when necessary.4. Must function independently, have personal integrity, have flexibility and the ability to work effectively with other personnel, clients and support agencies.**PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:**1. Hands must be steady.2. Requires active monitoring of status of presenting patients.3. Keen listening skills.4. Good personnel management.5. Work is at times sedentary as well, requiring reaching and handling to process various types of forms.6. Also requires fingering keyboards.7. Talking and hearing are required to handle patient inquiries and the appointment process.8. Near visual acuity.9. Some lifting required.10. Work requires quick mental acuity, memory, judgment and decision-making.11. Can lift 35 pounds without assistance.## Qualifications**POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:**1. High school diploma or equivalent.2. Current dental x-ray license for state of California.3. Current CPR certification.4. CE requirements met.5. Basic computer knowledge and proficient in Microsoft Office applications.6. Ability to deal with people in a pleasant and courteous manner, even under stressful conditions.7. Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language, have good grammar, spelling, and the ability to be accurate.8. Ability to work with others, at all levels within the organization, and collaborate effectively.9. Above-average interpersonal, problem-solving and oral communication skills.10. Must be able to work in a fast paced environment and maintain patient confidentiality, and be flexible to meet the needs of patients and co-workers.11. Knowledge of Med-cal covered procedures an asset.