Dental Assistant I/II

La Clínica de La Raza; California; On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established community health center is seeking dedicated Dental Assistants to join their dynamic care team. This role involves working closely with dentists in a fast-paced environment, ensuring patient comfort, and maintaining high standards of care. Candidates should possess strong communication skills, be bilingual, and have a passion for providing quality healthcare. With a commitment to serving diverse communities, this position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in patients' lives while working in a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience as a Dental Assistant required.
• X-Ray License and HS/GED are mandatory qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists during procedures and manage patient flow.
• Prepare patients and maintain dental exam rooms.

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

Dental equipment

Job description

Dental Assistant I/II (La Clinica at 95th Avenue)

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. From our genesis as a community health center in 1971, we understood that we cannot heal our communities without also addressing the economic and social factors that affect health. 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.

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 fourhanded 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.

Major Areas of Responsibility include but are not limited to:

• 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 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.
• Record treatment information in patient records using 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.
• Engage in huddles, staff meetings, team-building activities, and assigned development opportunities.
• Adhere 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 and answering telephones.
• Register patients, collect and post payments, prepare treatment estimates for review with patients.
• Assist patients with insurance forms.
• Greet and log in patients arriving at the office or clinic.
• Inventory stock, order, and verify receipt of dental, lab, or office supplies.
• Keep equipment operating by following instructions and performing preventive maintenance.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Knowledge

• Basic dental assisting practices, terminology, and equipment.
• 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.

Abilities

• Physical: Ability to work in fourhanded dentistry and other job functions that involve continuous movement.
• Communication: Bilingual proficiency with clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Interpersonal Skills: Able to work professionally and collaboratively with team members.
• Administrative Skills: Ability to perform clerical duties independently and accurately.
• 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: DAI (Completion of Dental Assistant Training Program preferred).
• Licensed DA: DAII (RDA); DAIII (RDA-Extended Function); DAIV (RDA-Extended Function II).
• Certification for health clearances required of all healthcare professionals.

Specialized Additional Duties

• DA I: Perform duties under the general supervision of a licensed dentist.
• DA II: A registered dental assistant may perform all duties allowed for a dental assistant.
• DA III: All DA I & II duties and additional specified duties.
• DA IV: All DA I, DA II, and DA III duties with additional specified duties.