Dental - RDA (Per-Diem)

San Diego American Indian Health Center; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

San Diego American Indian Health Center is seeking a Dental Assistant to greet patients, assist the dentist, and manage equipment and records. The role includes taking X-rays, sterilization, and performing chairside duties across routine procedures.

Requirements include completion of an accredited Dental Assisting program, CA RDA license, X-Ray and CPR/BLS certifications, with 6–12 months of experience preferred. Familiarity with ECW EHR is a plus. On-site position in San Diego.

Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited Dental Assisting program.
• Current CA Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license.
• Coronal Polishing and Pit/Fissure Sealant Certificates.
• Valid X-Ray certificate.
• CPR/BLS certification through American Heart Association.
• Six months to one year dental experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Greet and prepare patients for dental treatments and maintain comfort.
• Assist dentist during procedures with instruments and materials, keeping a sterile area.
• Take and develop dental X-rays per dentist directions and safety protocols.
• Perform chairside assistance across general dental procedures and ensure patient safety.
• Set up operatory, sterilize instruments, and manage dental supplies and inventory.
• Record treatment details in the EDR system and maintain patient confidentiality.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Infection control

Calm under pressure

Education

Dental Assisting program

CA RDA license

Coronal Polishing certificate

Pit/Fissure Sealant certificate

X-Ray certificate

CPR/BLS certification

Tools

Dental software

ECW EHR

Job description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Patient Care:

1. Greet and prepare patients for dental treatments, ensuring patient comfort throughout the visit.


2. Obtain and review patient health history, ensuring accurate records are maintained.


3. Assist the dentist during procedures by providing instruments and materials, anticipating the dentist's needs, and maintaining a sterile working area.

Chairside Assistance:

1. Perform chair-side assistance in all general dental procedures, including but not limited to examinations, restorations, extractions, and root canals.


2. Take and develop dental X-rays as directed by the dentist, ensuring patient safety protocols are followed.


3. Place dental dams, apply fluoride, remove sutures, and perform other approved RDA functions as regulated by the state.

Equipment & Instruments Management:

1. Set up and prepare the dental operatory, ensuring instruments and materials are ready for each patient.


2. Clean and sterilize dental instruments and maintain cleanliness in the operatory according to OSHA and CDC guidelines.


3. Maintain, organize, and track inventory of dental supplies and materials, notifying the lead assistant or manager of any shortages.

Records Management:

1. Accurately record treatment information, procedure details, and patient notes in the electronic dental record (EDR) system.


2. Maintain patient confidentiality and follow all HIPAA guidelines.

Patient Education:

1. Provide patients with instructions for post-procedure care, answer their questions, and address any concerns.


2. Educate patients on good oral hygiene practices and preventative care measures.

Qualifications:

Education and Certification:

1. Completion of an accredited Dental Assisting program.


2. Current CA Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license.


3. Current Coronal Polishing and Pit/Fissure Sealant Certificate.


4. Valid X-Ray certificate.


5. Current CPR/BLS certification through the American Heart Association.

Experience:

1. Six months to one year experience.


2. Experience with dental software and radiographic procedures is a plus.

Preferred:

1. Experience serving a multinational, multicultural population.


2. FQHC experience.

1. Familiarity with community health clinics and/or Indian Health Clinics preferred.

1. ECW EHR.

Skills and Competencies:

1. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with patients and team members.


2. Excellent attention to detail and the ability to anticipate dentist needs.


3. Knowledge of infection control procedures, safety protocols, and dental terminology.


4. Ability to maintain a calm and positive demeanor, even in high-stress situations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Excellent oral and written communication skills.


2. Excellent time management skills


3. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.


4. Ability to maintain confidentiality and meticulous records.


5. Effective interpersonal skills.


6. Able to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals.


7. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with all during the course of work.


8. Able to perform basic mathematical calculations necessary to perform the job function.


9. Bilingual in Spanish/English a plus


10. Must be reliable and extremely trustworthy.


11. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Suite or related programs. Ability to learn other accounting software systems.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodation.

1. Able to lift/move up to 20 pounds, move from place to place.


2. Able to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods.


3. Ability to do math, organize and prioritize workload, work effectively and efficiently under stress.


4. Ability to supervise, multitask, understand, and follow instructions.


5. Ability to proficiently read, write, speak, and understand English.

Customer Service:

1. Actively supports, promotes, and works to fulfill the Mission, Vision, and core values of SDAIHC.


2. Provides excellent internal and external customer service.


3. Demonstrates SDAIHC’s Standards of Customer Service Behavior: Compassion, Attitude, Communication, Appearance, Sense of Ownership, and Teamwork.


4. Participates in on-going customer service training.


5. In every action, seeks to promote SDAIHC as a top service organization.

Quality Management:

1. Contribute to the success of the organization by participating in quality improvement activities.


2. Complies with all SDAIHC policies and procedures and proactively participates in the implementation of new initiatives.


3. Participate and ensures continuous quality improvement process as directed by clinic leadership.

Safety:

1. Ensures regulatory compliance and adherence with policies and procedures related to safe work practices.


2. Participate in infection prevention through appropriate use of infection control measures during patient treatment and patient interactions.


3. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for maintaining physical spaces, equipment, and supplies.


4. Uses all appropriate equipment and/or tools to ensure workplace safety.


5. Immediately reports unsafe working conditions.

Privacy/Compliance:

1. Maintains privacy and security of all patients, employee, and volunteer information and access to such information. Such information is accessed on a need-to-know basis for business purposes only.


2. Complies with all regulations regarding corporate integrity and security obligations. Reports on unethical, fraudulent, or unlawful behavior or activity.


3. Upholds strict ethical standards.