Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

Salinas Valley Dental Care; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Salinas Valley Dental Care is seeking a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) to support clinicians in delivering high-quality dental care. The role involves preparing operatory setups, passing instruments, and assisting during examinations and treatments.

The RDA will take radiographs, ensure patient comfort, and uphold strict sterilization and safety standards. S/he will manage supplies and coordinate with the clinical team for efficient patient flow.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; 2+ years dental experience preferred.
• Valid X-ray certificate and expanded functions RDA license required.
• CPR & First Aid certification must be active.

Responsibilities

• Record treatment information and chair time for each patient.
• Assist the doctor by passing instruments and preparing treatment rooms.
• Take radiographs as directed by the doctor.
• Maintain sterilization of instruments and treatment areas.
• Order supplies and manage lab cases as needed.

Skills

Patient care

Radiographs

Sterilization

Dental instruments handling

Patient comfort

Communication

English proficiency

Attention to details

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

2+ years relevant dental experience

CPR & First Aid certification

Tools

Autoclave

Dental X-ray machine (Pano)

Ultrasonic scaler

Oxygen & Nitrous Oxide delivery

Intraoral camera

Practice Management software

Job description

Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

Position Title: Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
Employee Status: Non Exempt, Regular, "At Will" Work Status
Reports To: Clinical Team Supervisor
Assistant Lead, as assigned

Job Summary:

The RDA assists in the performance of quality, caring, clinical dentistry by aiding thedoctor smoothly and unobtrusively during examinations and treatment. The RDAperforms clinical and technical procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist as well as prepares the operatory and equipment, gets the patient ready, andmaintains awareness of the comfort and safety needs of patients.

Essential Duties:

• Records treatment information on the patient's chart, including treatmentrendered, the type of treatment planned and the amount of chair time, doctortime and assistant time needed for next appointment.
• Assists the doctor by passing instruments, aspirating intra‑oral fluids, mixing materials and medicaments during examinations or treatment.
• Provides customer service support to patients by escorting them to and from the treatment room and prepping them for care by the doctor.
• Takes radiographs as instructed by the doctor.
• Prepares all treatment rooms including, but not limited to, set-up, decontamination, sterilization of all instruments, cleaning and restocking.
• Maintains cleanliness of the dark room, lab and sterilizing area. Maintains all chemical solutions, i.e., disinfectant soaks and sprays, sterilents, ultrasonic, and presoak.
• Reviews patient’s medical history, progress from the previous visit, if applicable,and the scheduled treatment plan with each patient. Takes impressions for diagnostic and opposing models.
• Ensures lights, units, nitrous equipment and automatic processors are turnedon prior to the first patient.
• Applies non‑aerosol and non‑caustic topical agents and fluoride.
• Inspects patient’s oral cavity and charts lesions, existing restorations andmissing teeth.
• Places and removes temporary sedative dressings and post‑extraction andperiodontal dressings.
• Helps administer nitrous oxide to patients as applicable.
• Cleans hand pieces, vacuum traps, and sharp instruments.
• Places and removes rubber dams.
• Places, wedges, and holds and removes anterior matrices.
• Obtains endodontic cultures.
• Dries canals with absorbent points.
• Tests pulp vitality.
• Places bases and liners on dentin.
• Removes excess cement from supragingival surfaces of teeth.
• Sizes stainless steel crowns, temporary crowns, and bands.
• Performs coronal polishing.
• Pours and trims study models.
• Monitors incoming and outgoing lab cases.
• Orders supplies.
• Maintains plaster trap and lab counter areas.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Skilled in the use of standard dental office equipment including: Autoclave,model trimmer, X-ray machine - Pano, Panoramic X-ray, ultrasonic, Oxygenand Nitrous Oxide, Laser, Intra Oral camera, Vacu-press, and hand pieces.Ability to take blood pressure, attach EKG leads, and read monitors.Knowledge of cross contamination and how to prevent it.Ability to maintain composure and professionalism when exposed to stressful
situations.Knowledge of OSHA regulations and changes.
Ability to take radiographs, including FMX, Pano and anterior PA’s.
Knowledge of English composition, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.Skilled in the use of standard office equipment including: telephones,calculators, copiers, fax, computers, and computer software (MS Excel, Word,
Practice Management software).Ability to engender trust from the doctors, co-workers, and patients.Ability to work cooperatively with management, staff, and patients.Ability to prioritize, organize, and complete tasks in a timely and independentmanner.
Ability to accept constructive criticism.
Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
Ability to collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and maintainconfidentiality.
Ability to communicate and express thoughts and ideas competently.
Ability to quickly grasp relevant concepts regarding duties and responsibilities.

Education / Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum of 2 year(s) relevant experience in the dental profession

Special Requirements/Certifications/Licenses:

Valid X-ray certificate
Current expanded functions RDA license
CPR & first aid certificate

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

• Minimum lifting requirements of 35 pounds in order to transfer equipment and pack & unpack supplies.
• May be required to roll a 90-pound machine on wheels from one area to another.
• Hand-eye coordination and hand, arm, and finger mobility for detailed work with objects.
• May be required to physically assist/lift drowsy patients after anesthesia.
• Active movement throughout the day: sitting, walking, standing, squatting,bending, stooping, reaching, etc. (not a sedentary position).
• Vision: close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and abilityto adjust focus.
• Hearing: able to satisfactorily communicate with patients, doctor, and other staffmembers to ensure that verbal communication is clearly understood,particularly during emergency situations.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computerkeyboard or operate equipment.
• May be required to administer CPR.
• Occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and radiation.
• Exposure to moderate noise levels.
• Exposure to hectic, fast-paced, high anxiety environments.
• Additional or different duties may be assigned occasionally at employer’s discretion.