Dental Assistant

WOW!; Watsonville (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

WOW! in Watsonville, CA seeks a collaborative dental assistant to support orthodontic care. You will prepare patients, assist during procedures, and help manage impressions, charts, and inventory while ensuring patient comfort and safety. The role requires X-ray license and CPR certification.

Responsibilities include patient education, sterilization, equipment readiness, and coordination with the doctor and front desk. Occasional travel within the region may be required.

Qualifications

• Must have X-ray license and CPR certification.
• Infection control knowledge and dental practice act familiarity.
• Ability to operate dental equipment and chart electronically.
• Comfort with patient interaction and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Assist orthodontist and prepare patients, operatory, and equipment.
• Take impressions for study models and appliances.
• Record management and electronic charting; HIPAA compliance.
• Manage supplies, maintain sterilization, and keep units ready.
• Support marketing and patient experience at the front desk as needed.

Skills

X-ray license

CPR certified

HIPAA compliance

Dental terminology

Education

Dental Assistant Certification

Tools

Orthodontic software

Dental instruments

Job description

Description

Primary Responsibilities:

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.