Pediatric Dental Assistant

Viacare Community Health Center; California; On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Via Care Community Health Center seeks an experienced Dental Assistant to support our dental team. The role includes chair-side assistance, radiography, sterilization, patient scheduling, and records management in a busy clinical setting. Candidates should have an associate degree in dental assisting or a cert from an accredited program, and be proficient with EHR systems.

Bilingual English/Spanish preferred. Join our team to help provide high-quality care in a community health setting.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of dental procedures and radiography protocols.
• Experience with patient triage and reception duties.
• Familiarity with infection control and OSHA standards.

Responsibilities

• Provides chair-side assistance to dentist during procedures.
• Prepares, sterilizes, and inventories dental supplies and equipment.
• Performs radiographs and processes them per orders.
• Maintains dental records and supports monthly reporting.
• Interacts with patients and conducts telephone triage.
• Ensures radiation safety and OSHA compliance.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Multi-tasking

Radiography knowledge

Attention to detail

Education

Associate degree in dental assisting or related field

Certification as a dental assistant from an accredited program

Tools

EHR systems

Dental software

Dental radiography equipment

Job description

JOB SUMMARYWe are seeking an experienced and dedicated Dental Assistant to join our dental team. The Dental Assistant will play a key role in providing advanced clinical and administrative support to our dental team. This position is ideal for candidates with previous dental assisting experience and a desire to take on more responsibilities in a dynamic clinical environment. Under general supervision of the Dental Director, provides a range of clinical, administrative, and staff support to a full-range dental services operation. Assists in the performance of dental and radiography procedures; prepares and maintains dental equipment and supplies in accordance with established protocol and procedures, policies, standards, and assists in the coordination of day-to-day patient administration, records management, and office support activities.This is a Full-Time position, working Monday-Friday. The hourly range for the Dental Assistant position is $24.00 - 28.00+. The hourly rate will be dependent on experience.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESProvides chair-side assistance to dentist in the performance of dental procedures.Prepares, sterilizes, and organizes dental supply and dental equipment according to OSHA and Clinic standards.Maintain housekeeping records.Sets-up trays for procedures.Takes radiographs as directed by dentist (only assistants who have completed courses on radiation safety).Develops and processes dental radiographs in accordance with provider orders.Assists in the monitoring and maintenance of radiation safety procedures and protocols.Orders and maintains inventories of dental clinic supplies.Interacts with and processes dental clinic patients.Performs telephone triage and conducts patient interviews.Maintains dental laboratory slips.Creates and maintains dental records in accordance with established protocol and procedures.Assists in monthly reporting and quality improvement activities.Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned by the Dental Director.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESCurrent knowledge of and ability to follow a full range of dental clinical procedures and protocols.Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services.Knowledge of ordering and inventory control.Knowledge of planning and scheduling techniques.Ability to work as a team member within a clinical environment.Interviewing skills.Communication skills.Ability to multi-task.Knowledge of patient evaluation and triage procedures.Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines.Knowledge of Federal, State, and institutional regulations and guidelines for the provision of dental outpatient services.Records maintenance skills.Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot a wide range of dental equipment in accordance with prescribed procedures and standards.Four-handed dental assisting technique.Knowledge of sterilization procedures.Knowledge of radiation safety procedures, standards, and protocols.Ability to develop and process dental radiographs.Associate degree in dental assisting or related field preferred.Certification as a dental assistant from an accredited program.Proficiency in performing advanced dental procedures and using dental equipment.Strong leadership and teamwork skills.Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.Ability to work independently and make sound decisions under pressure.Knowledge of dental terminology, procedures, and infection control protocols.Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems and dental practice management software.Commitment to maintaining professional standards and continuing education.Bilingual English/SpanishSPECIAL REQUIREMENTSExcellent driving record and automobile insurance coverage.Subject to a criminal background check prior to employment.TB clearance, to be renewed every year. Vaccines and boosters as needed.Compliance with all mandated vaccinations and all boosters is a term and condition of employment.Environmental/Working ConditionsWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand for prolonged periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to sit, walk, and use hands to operate a standard computer keyboard. The employee must be able to keep the hand and arm steady while moving or while in one position, have an above average fine motor skills and dexterity while handling and gripping instruments and the ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.Equal Opportunity StatementVia Care Community Health Center provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Via Care Community Health Center complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.In compliance with California Labor Code § 432.3, as amended effective January 1, 2026, this job posting includes the pay scale for the position. The pay scale represents a good‑faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage range the employer reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire. Actual compensation within the posted range will depend on experience, skills, and internal equity.