Dental Assistant / Registered Dental Assistant - Spanish Speaking Preferred

County of San Mateo; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated Dental Assistants passionate about providing exceptional care to diverse communities. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work in various clinics, assisting with a range of dental procedures and collaborating with dental students. Ideal candidates will be skilled in chairside assisting, digital X-rays, and maintaining patient records, while also being compassionate and adaptable. Join a team that is committed to improving oral health outcomes for underserved populations and make a meaningful impact in the community.

Qualifications

• Completion of a dental assisting course or equivalent experience required.
• Valid California RDA license for RDA level candidates.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients and dental instruments, maintain sanitary conditions.
• Take and develop dental X-rays, respond to patient emergencies.

Skills

Chairside Assisting

Digital X-rays

Sterile Techniques

Dental Materials Handling

Oral Inspections

Pediatric Dentistry Assistance

Sedation Assistance

Fluency in Spanish

Education

Completion of Dental Assisting Course

Radiation Safety Certification

Basic Life Support Certification

Tools

Electronic Medical Records (EPIC)

Job description

Dental Assistant / Registered Dental Assistant - Spanish Speaking Preferred

Join to apply for the Dental Assistant / Registered Dental Assistant - Spanish Speaking Preferred role at County of San Mateo

Note: This recruitment schedule was amended on March 18, 2025, to extend the Final Filing Date. This recruitment has been changed to "Continuous."

Are you a dedicated and motivated Dental Assistant who enjoys providing exceptional dental care to the community? The San Mateo Medical Center (SMMC) Dental Clinics offer an exciting career opportunity. Our clinics in San Mateo, Redwood City, Daly City, and Half Moon Bay serve diverse populations, including children, adults, homeless individuals, and patients with complex medical needs.

All clinics operate Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, with some Saturday and evening hours. The clinics also collaborate with UCSF and UOP dental students to enhance patient care.

Dental Assistant Series Levels:

• Dental Assistant ($28.14 - $35.16 hourly): Performs full range of dental assisting work independently under a dentist's supervision. Can advance to higher levels upon certification and proficiency.
• Registered Dental Assistant ($33.26 - $41.58 hourly): Performs advanced duties, including limited dental assisting tasks requiring certification, under dentist supervision.

We seek motivated Dental Assistants and RDA professionals willing to learn and adapt. All candidates should be available to work at any of our clinics, with transportation being the employee's responsibility. Current vacancies include two full-time regular positions and three part-time extra-help positions. Spanish speaking is preferred but not required.

The ideal candidate is compassionate, skilled, and committed to serving underserved communities, including children, homeless individuals, and medically complex patients. Candidates should have:

• Proficiency in chairside assisting, digital X-rays, sterile techniques, and dental materials handling. RDA candidates should also have skills in coronal polishing and sealant application.
• Experience with Electronic Medical Records (preferably EPIC).
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, managing emergencies and high patient volumes calmly.
• A valid California RDA license.
• Skills in conducting oral inspections and providing preventive care.
• Experience assisting in various dental procedures, including oral surgery and pediatric dentistry.
• Experience testing pulp health, fabricating temporary restorations, and assisting with sedation.
• Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable.

This role requires a team-oriented professional passionate about improving oral health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Note: The eligible list may be used to fill future vacancies, including extra-help, term, and unclassified positions.

Examples of Duties:

• Prepare patients and dental instruments, set up charts and X-rays.
• Take and develop dental X-rays, maintain cleanliness of the X-ray room.
• Maintain patient records, complete insurance forms, schedule appointments.
• Maintain sanitary conditions of office and equipment.
• Mix dental medicaments.
• Respond to patient emergencies during treatment.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Knowledge of:

• Patient preparation, sterilization, dental terminology, office procedures.

Skills/Abilities:

• Take and evaluate dental X-rays, work tactfully with patients and staff, respond to emergencies.

Education & Experience:

Completion of a dental assisting course or equivalent experience.

Licensure/Certification:

• Radiation safety certification from the California Board of Dental Examiners.
• Basic Life Support certification from AHA or ARC.
• For RDA level: valid California RDA license.

Application & Examination:

This is an open and promotional recruitment. Current County employees with at least six months of service will receive additional points. The examination includes an interview and may include written or performance exercises. Applications are only accepted online via http://jobs.smcgov.org. The recruitment is continuous, and positions may be filled at any time.