Dental Assistant

Tuolumne Me Wuk Indian Health Center; Sonora (CA); On-site; USD 35,004 - 52,514; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

401(k) Plan

Loan Forgiveness program

Job summary

Tuolumne Me Wuk Indian Health Center is seeking a dedicated Dental Assistant in Sonora, CA. This full-time position offers a competitive hourly salary, exceptional benefits including medical and dental coverage, and a 401(k) plan.

Responsibilities include assisting in chair-side procedures, taking radiographs, and ensuring infection control protocols are followed. Candidates should have relevant certifications and strong communication skills to thrive in a community-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Certification in coronal polishing is required.
• Radiation safety certification or completion of an approved course is required.
• Current CPR certification.

Responsibilities

• Perform mouth‑mirror inspection and chart findings.
• Take dental radiographs of diagnostic quality.
• Apply topical fluoride and take intraoral impressions.

Skills

Certification in coronal polishing

Radiation safety certification

Current CPR certification

Effective oral and written communication skills

Basic computer skills

Job description

Job Details

• Job Location: Dental - Sonora - Sonora, CA 95370
• Position Type: Full Time
• Salary Range: $25.41 - $38.12 Hourly
• Travel Percentage: Negligible
• Job Shift: Day

JOB DESCRIPTION

Tuolumne Me-Wuk Indian Health Center offers a community‑focused environment with competitive salaries, exceptional benefits, and a true work‑life balance.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, a 401(k) plan, food distribution program, and Indian Health Service Loan Forgiveness.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Title: Dental Assistant
Reports To: Lead RDA
Schedule: M‑F; 4‑10 hour shifts
Status: Non‑Exempt

Under the direction of the Lead RDA, the Dental Assistant functions as a circulating assistant in chair‑side dental procedures, performing all duties related to dentistry, infection control, sterilization, tray setup and material handling.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Mouth‑mirror inspection of the oral cavity, charting lesions, restorations, and missing teeth.
• Take dental radiographs of diagnostic quality.
• Apply topical fluoride.
• Take intraoral impressions for all non‑prosthodontic appliances.
• Place and remove rubber dams, wedges, matrices, and other isolation devices for restorative procedures.
• Set up operatory and perform all phases of four‑handed dental assisting for endodontics, oral surgery, prosthodontics, and restorative procedures.
• Familiarity with dental terminology, materials, medications and instruments.
• Set up and break down operatory efficiently.
• Clean, sterilize instruments and set up trays.
• Maintain clean, orderly, well‑stocked operatories and laboratory.
• Inventory and re‑order supplies as necessary.
• Pouring up models and other lab procedures.
• Instruct patients in oral hygiene and preventive dental education.
• Accurate documentation of exam findings in electronic health record.
• Knowledge of patient scheduling requirements.
• Express genuine enthusiasm for the health center’s success.
• Professional interaction and interpersonal skills.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Certification in coronal polishing is required.
• Radiation safety certification or completion of a radiation safety course approved by the California State Board of Dental Examiners is required.
• Current CPR certification.
• Ability to work independently, assume initiative, and accept supervision.
• Effective oral and written communication skills; ability to follow instructions.
• Basic computer and office equipment skills; familiarity with electronic health record system.
• Maintain confidentiality; knowledge of HIPAA privacy requirements.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced and sometimes stressful environment.
• Understanding of insurance coverage: Direct Care, CHS, SHCF, Medi‑Cal, CMSP, private insurance, pre‑authorization, and treatment recommendations regardless of coverage.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires walking, standing and sitting for prolonged periods; climbing stepper stools; stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching; pushing, pulling, lifting up to 30lb; raising objects overhead; manual dexterity for computer, phone, and small office machines; good verbal and written communication; repetitive wrist, hand, and finger motions.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND INDIAN PREFERENCE

Tuolumne Me‑Wuk Indian Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusivity. In accordance with the Indian Preference Act and Public Law 93‑638, qualified Native American and Alaskan Native applicants will be given preference with proper documentation. In‑house postings also include Tribal Voting Members. All positions require cultural sensitivity and respectful interaction with diverse tribal communities.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre‑employment TB test, background check, and drug screening.