Dental Assistant

Bernstein Orthodontics; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Bernstein Orthodontics in Salinas, CA seeks an enthusiastic dental assistant to aid the orthodontist during examinations and treatments. You will prepare patients and equipment, assist with bonding and impressions, and maintain sterile protocols.

You will handle patient records electronically, ensure HIPAA compliance, and support a team-focused office culture with marketing event participation and community outreach.

Qualifications

• Must have X-ray license and CPR certification.
• Infection Control certificate and Dental Practice Act compliance.
• Ability to handle patient records with HIPAA/privacy awareness.
• Physically able to lift up to 40 pounds and move throughout the day.

Responsibilities

• Assist orthodontist in patient care and prepare treatment areas.
• Take impressions and manage bonding preparation.
• Operate sterilization procedures and keep units clean.
• Perform electronic charting and manage patient records.
• Coordinate with front desk, doctors, and office manager.
• Support marketing events and community representation.

Skills

Patient care

Communication

Multi-tasking

Team collaboration

Education

X-ray license

Infection Control certificate

Dental Practice Act

CPR certification

Tools

Orthodontic software

Medical records handling

Job description

Description

To assist in the performance of quality, caring clinical dentistry; to become adept at assigned

clinical and technical procedures; to aid the doctor smoothly and unobstructive. Perform

clinical and technical procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist. The assistant

prepares the patient, operatory and equipment to assist the doctor during examinations and

treatment. Maintain awareness of comfort and safety needs of patients. Maintain equipment

and inventory. Adhere to all required OSHA and health regulations. Must be able to travel to all responsible region

locations.

Patient Management:

• Interact in a positive manner with patients at all times.
• Show care and concern, and help patients feel comfortable.
• Maintain a pleasant, caring, people-oriented team attitude at all times.
• Escort patients to and from treatment room/chair.
• Review with patient, or parent, areas where improvement is needed and give progress updates regarding treatment.
• Give patient instructions and demonstrate when necessary.
• Ensure patients’ questions are answered thoroughly before they leave.
• Perform patient care calls.

Clinical:

• Assist the orthodontist in the delivery of patient care.
• Understand basic dental terminology and learn practice specific terms.
• Evaluate patient oral hygiene and cooperation at appointments.
• Take impressions for study molds and appliances.
• Follow laboratory and sterilization procedures according to office protocol.
• Prepare teeth for bonding and assist doctor with bonding.
• Remove, size, and place arch wires to extent allowed by certifications.
• Work in a fast pace environment, while multi-tasking and learning quickly.

Record management:

• Perform Electronic patient charting in Orthodontic software and ensure patient charts are complete and include necessary forms before performing treatment
• Take patients records (photos, pano, ceph)
• Handle patient information in compliance with legal requirements, including HIPPA regulations

Communications:

• Maintain Confidentiality of business and client information.
• Maintain open communication with the Doctors), patients, Front Desk, and Office Manager.
• Inventory / Maintenance Management.
• Clean / Sanitize instruments without cross contamination.
• Keep dental units ready, stocked and clean.
• Monitor inventory and alert the office manager to order supplies as needed.
• Maintain a welcoming an attractive office environment.

Sales & Marketing:

• Assist the marketing team in both internal and external marketing initiatives.
• Staff a minimum of two marketing events per quarter.
• Represent the company throughout the community.
• Office Participation.
• Be an active participant in team meetings, trainings, team building events, etc.
• Agree to, and work by, the team principles outlined in your training packet.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by management and the doctor.

Requirements

• Must have X-ray license.
• Must have Infection Control certificate.
• Must have Dental Practice Act.
• Must be CPR certified.
• May be required to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Active movement throughout the day: sitting, walking, standing, squatting, bending, stooping, reaching, etc. (not a sedentary position.)
• Vision: close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Hearing: able to satisfactory communicate with patients, doctor, and other staff members to ensure verbal communication is clearly under satisfactory - equivalent method of communication.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or operate equipment.
• May be required to administer CPR.
• Occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and radiation.