Dental Assistant I-II-III-IV (1.0 FTE)

La Clínica de La Raza; Vallejo (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated health center focused on providing quality care to diverse communities. As a Dental Assistant, you will play a vital role in enhancing patient experiences while supporting dentists in a fast-paced environment. Your responsibilities will include managing patient flow, assisting in dental procedures, and performing essential office duties. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization that values community health and well-being. If you are passionate about making a difference and enjoy working with people, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience as a Dental Assistant required.
• Completion of Dental Assistant Training Program preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists during procedures and manage patient flow.
• Prepare patients and maintain dental instruments and equipment.
• Perform general office duties including scheduling and payments.

Skills

Bilingual proficiency

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Clerical duties

Education

High School Diploma or GED

X-Ray License

Dental Assistant Training Program

Tools

Electronic Dental Records system

Modern computer applications

Job description

Dental Assistants: Building Healthier Communities

Who we are: La Clínica de La Raza is a community-based health center committed to providing culturally appropriate, high-quality, and accessible health care to the diverse communities of the San Francisco Bay Area. We have spent over 40 years advocating for and creating a health home for the many that have been denied access to care. As health care activists, we are dedicated to making sure individuals who do not have health coverage get the same level of quality healthcare as those who have it. Over 90,000 individuals come to La Clínica because it is a welcoming place that addresses the whole person, coordinating and connecting them to a broad network of services to improve and maintain their health and well-being. While we are still known for our activism and spirit of social justice, we are also proud to have grown into a sophisticated provider of primary health care services with 35 sites across Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano counties.

Be part of an excellent care team: We are looking for Dental Assistants who want to serve as a valuable member of our care team by working alongside dentists in four-handed dentistry. In our dental practice, you will be relied on for your superb technical skills to improve the quality and efficiency of our clinic while providing a human touch to the overall patient experience. To be successful, you need to enjoy interacting with all kinds of different people, feel energized by a fast-paced clinic environment, and remain cool under pressure even when serving a person who is upset, disrespectful or impatient. You should have a successful history of being responsible, reliable, and capable of solving problems while being friendly and helpful in looking for ways to support other care team members.

Major Areas of Responsibility include but are not limited to:

Patient Care

• Manage patient flow to maximize patient access and service by ensuring dental exam rooms are adequately stocked and ready for patients.
• Prepare patients for dental examination by taking and recording vital signs and medical/dental histories.
• Help patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment.
• Effectively communicate requests from patients to the dentist or dental care team members.
• Assist the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures such as taking dental x-rays.
• Clean, sterilize, and maintain an adequate supply of functioning instruments and equipment.
• Prepare instruments, materials, and medication for use in dental procedures.
• Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
• Provide patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures.
• Provide prescription information to pharmacies, as directed by the dentist.
• Record treatment information in patient records using the Electronic Dental Records system.

Commitment to Quality

• Demonstrate a commitment to excellent patient experience and quality outcomes.
• Communicate and work effectively with providers and other members of the dental care team to best serve patients.
• Engaged participation in huddles, staff meetings, team building activities, and assigned development opportunities.
• Adherence to La Clínica's ethical and professional standards, including policies and procedures.

General Office Duties

• Perform general office duties, such as scheduling appointments for patients, answering telephones, and recording medical updates from the provider.
• Register patients, collect and post payments, prepare treatment estimates for review with patients, and close end-of-day reports.
• Assist patients with insurance forms.
• Greet and log in patients arriving at the office or clinic in the appropriate electronic system.
• Inventory stock, order, and verify receipt of dental, lab, or office supplies or equipment.
• Keep equipment operating by following operating instructions and performing preventive maintenance.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Knowledge

• Basic dental assisting practices, terminology, and equipment used.
• Dental office procedures including scheduling, registration, treatment estimates, and payment collection.
• Working with modern computer applications and electronic health records.
• Techniques for cleaning and sterilization of dental equipment, exam rooms, and patient treatment areas.

Abilities

• Physical: Ability to work in four-handed dentistry and other job functions that involve continuous movement.
• Communication: Bilingual proficiency. Use clear and effective written and verbal communication skills in English with correct spelling and grammar. Able to follow oral/written instructions.
• Interpersonal Skills: Able to work professionally and collaboratively as a team member; ability to work across cultures and demonstrate support of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Administrative Skills: Ability to perform clerical duties in a methodical, independent, and thorough manner with speed and accuracy.
• Availability: Able to participate in Saturday and evening rotation.

Other Qualifications

• HS/GED, X-Ray License, and 1-2 years of experience as a Dental Assistant.
• Non-Licensed DA: Completion of Dental Assistant Training Program preferred.
• Licensed DA: DA II (RDA); DA III (RDA-Extended Function); DA IV (RDA-Extended Function II).
• Certification for health clearances required of all healthcare professionals.