Endodontic Dental Assistant

University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA Dentistry is seeking a Dental Assistant to support Endodontics predoctoral and postdoctoral clinics. You will work under supervision to assist faculty, residents, and students while handling sterilization, scheduling, and patient inquiries.

The role requires California Dental Assistant certification, Radiation Safety license, CPR, and bilingual English/Spanish communication. Strong organization and interpersonal skills are essential for success in a fast-paced clinic environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of dental terminology, materials, equipment, and four-handed dentistry.
• Knowledge of aseptic technique, infection control, sterilization procedures, and OR sanitation.
• Ability to follow sterilization protocols and work with infectious disease patients.
• Knowledge of University patient care policies and procedures.
• Ability to respond to dental/medical emergencies.
• Strong organizational skills in a high‑pressure environment.
• Inventory management of dental instruments and supplies.
• Ability to establish professional patient relationships.
• Verbal/telephone communication to schedule patients and inform policies.
• Ability to collaborate with faculty, staff and students.
• Bilingual English/Spanish communication with patients and staff.
• Computer skills for scheduling and patient records.

Responsibilities

• Chairside assisting for faculty, residents and dental students in Endodontics clinics.
• Sterilization and instrument processing duties.
• Schedule appointments and respond to telephone inquiries.
• Resolve patient complaints and manage billing follow‑ups.
• Process patient billing, including private insurance and Medicare.
• Prepare reports on outstanding charges and billing.
• Maintain inventory of instruments and supplies.

Skills

Dental terminology

Infection control

Sterilization procedures

Bilingual English/Spanish

Scheduling attention

Organizational skills

Patient relations

Education

California certification as Dental Assistant

California State Radiation Safety license

CPR certificate

Tools

Computerized scheduling system

Job description

Department Summary

The caliber of our faculty, staff, and student dentists helps foster a dynamic environment, focused towards the future. Along with our passion and dedication to be among the best in the world, UCLA Dentistry is truly unique. As part of a world-renowned research university, combined with excellent educational programs and clinic training, we believe this is where leaders are made.

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Section Chair, Residency Program Director, attending dentists and Clinic Supervisor, the Dental Assistant will perform dental assisting and administrative functions for the Endodontics predoctoral and postdoctoral clinics. Responsibilities include chairside assisting faculty, residents, and dental students. When not assisting, responsibilities include: sterilization duties including washing dental instruments and equipment; scheduling appointments; responding to telephone inquiries; resolving patient complaints and conflicts; ensure proper billing of endodontic procedures; process all patient billing, including private insurance and Medicare; and follow up on outstanding charges and preparing reports of same.

Salary & Compensation

UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of current dental terminology, materials, equipment, procedures, and four-handed dentistry. (Required)
• Demonstrated knowledge of aseptic technique, infection control, sterilization procedures, and operating room sanitation practices to prevent cross-contamination. (Required)
• Ability to scrupulously follow sterilization, asepsis, and infection control protocols, including working with infectious disease patients. (Required)
• Working knowledge of University policies and procedures regarding patient care (Required)
• Ability to recognize dental and medical emergency situations and respond appropriately. (Required)
• Strong organizational skills, including setting priorities, managing multiple demands, frequent interruptions, and maintaining professionalism in a high-pressure, crowded environment. (Required)
• Ability to organize, maintain, and manage inventory of dental instruments, equipment, materials, and supplies, including proper storage of dental materials. (Required)
• Demonstrated patient relations skills to establish and maintain professional relationships, including managing difficult patients. (Required)
• Demonstrated verbal and telephone skills to obtain and provide information, explain procedures and policies, schedule patients, and communicate with staff and faculty. (Required)
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty members, co-workers, students, patients, and staff. (Required)
• Demonstrated oral communication skills to collect and relate information to patients, staff, and faculty bilingually in English and Spanish. (Required)
• Computer skills to effectively learn to utilize computerized scheduling and patient record system. (Required)

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations

• Current California certification as Dental Assistant (Required)
• California State Radiation Safety license (Required)
• CPR certificate (Required)

Special Conditions for Employment

• Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
• Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.
• TB Test: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory TB test.
• COVID and Flu Vaccinations: The position is subject to providing evidence of inoculation.
• CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse".

Schedule

8am-5pm

Union/Policy Covered

Union/Policy Covered

EX-Patient Care Technical

EX-Patient Care Technical

Complete Position Description