Part-Time Dental Assistant

El Dorado Community Health Centers; Placerville (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

El Dorado Community Health Centers is seeking a Dental Assistant to support the Dentist and Dental Office Supervisor in a clinical setting. You will prepare instruments, assist with chairside care, radiographs, charting, and infection control, while ensuring patient comfort and safety.

The role requires CA-specific X-ray certification, BLS, and completion of an approved Dental Assisting Pathway; you will work across multiple EDCHC locations and help with front desk duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Completion of required education and certifications as listed: high school diploma or GED, BLS, dental x-ray, infection control, and DA pathway.
• Ability to prepare instruments, sterilize equipment, and maintain aseptic techniques in line with OSHA/ADA standards.
• Experience in assisting with chairside procedures and patient education is desirable.
• Knowledge of pediatric and adult patient care within a dental clinic setting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain dental instruments, supplies, and equipment; set up operatory for patient visits.
• Seat patient, explain procedures, and record health histories.
• Take and prepare radiographs using conventional or digital methods with proper safety.
• Assist with charting, dental materials, and four-handed dentistry.
• Monitor infection control and sterilization; prep operatory for next patient.
• Manage patient flow and assist with front desk duties as needed.
• Support dental van and portable services and weekend clinic shifts.

Skills

Team player

Independent worker

Professionalism

Confidentiality

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Current BLS certification

Current Dental X-ray Certification

Dental Practice Act training

Infection Control training (8-hour)

Dental Assisting Pathway completion

Job description

Brief Description

Job Summary

Reporting to the Dental Office Supervisor, and under the general supervision of the Dentist in a clinical setting, Dental Assistant (DA) assists the Dentist in the provision of high-quality care within the scope of service consistent with accepted standards of care for dentistry.

Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies and equipment; prepares the operatory for the patient visit
• Seats patient in chair and explains procedures to be performed; Collects and records patient health histories
• Drapes patient with protective linens and sets up instrument tray containing instruments, suction, gauze and other required supplies.
• Prepares dental materials—cements, amalgams, composites, impression materials, etc.
• Takes and prepares radiographs using conventional or digital technology and following proper radiation safety precautions
• Assists with dental charting as appropriate
• Assists in the prevention and management of dental emergencies
• Manages the patient during dental procedures
• Provides active chairside assistance; transfers instruments as appropriate for four- handed dentistry; anticipates the dentist’s needs
• Pour models with no bubbles, properly trim models.
• At the conclusion of the procedure, assists patient, clears work site of instruments and other materials; follows proper infection control protocols and prepares the operatory for the next patient
• Monitors and documents the flow of laboratory cases; maintains on-site lab space.
• Performs, monitors and records all sterilization activities
• Maintains proper aseptic techniques necessary with dental equipment; maintains and properly sterilizes instruments
• Routinely cleans, disinfects and restocks operatory
• Scans reception room for patients and helps to manage patient flow
• Maintain and inventory dental supplies and reorders as necessary; track and verify invoices
• Clean and sterilize all instruments; help to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC and ADA standards
• Performs other duties as assigned within the Dental Program.
• Assists with front office and check-in/checkout duties as needed.
• Support Dental Van and Portable Dental services as needed, work assigned shifts on the dental van and/or with portable dental services when needed.
• Support Saturday dental clinic as needed, report for scheduled shift when assigned to work such clinic hours.

Knowledge Of

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines
• Ability to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC and ADA standards
• Maintains and expands current level of dental assistant skill and knowledge by periodically attending continuing education programs
• Ability to work with Pediatric and Adult patients

Skills In

• Is a team player
• Accepts and offers guidance and supervision as appropriate
• Attends and participates in staff meetings to review team progress in meeting financial and productivity goals for the dental program
• Places a high value on personal and departmental performance excellence
• Adheres to office dress code and standards of behavior
• Maintains patient confidentiality
• Responds professionally to high-pressure situations and time limits
• Works independently with a minimum amount of supervision

Ability To

• Generate reports regarding patient treatment plans within electronic dental records system. (Schedule patient appointments within eCW).
• Work with considerable exposure to unusual elements such as unpleasant odors and/or loud noises
• Moderate physical activity. Requires handling average-weight objects up to 15-20 pounds, assisting with patients and standing and/or walking for most of the day
• Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens and will require OSHA training
• Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment
• Flexibility to work in all EDCHC Dental locations as needed.

Requirements

Qualifications

Education And Licensing Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED
• Current BLS certification
• Current Dental X-ray Certification
• Completed Board-approved course in the Dental Practice Act
• Completed Board-approved 8-hour course in Infection Control
• Completion of one approved Dental Assisting Pathway:
• Certificate of Completion or Diploma from Dental Assisting Program OR
• Satisfactory completion of EDCHC’s Dental Assistance Training Program

Transportation

Must possess a current unrestricted California driver license, have reliable transportation, a clean driving record and auto policy as required by the state of California. Required to submit proof of licensure and insurance.

Physical Requirements

Normal health center/interior office and clinic movement. Communicate, discern, detect, walk or move about, sit and/or stand for long periods of time, reach, stoop bend, lift up to 25lb. Requires repetitive hand movement; use and view a computer; use of dental tools and equipment; also operate fax, copier, and telephone. Ability to observe and work with patients in the clinic setting. Ability to drive and operate a car.