Job Details

DENTAL ASSISTANT JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for assisting the Dentist in the direct provision of primary care dental services to patients of the center. The Dental Assistant is also responsible for sterilization, preparation and inventory control of dental instruments and supplies.

DENTAL ASSISTANT ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering their questions and giving directions to patients as authorized by the dentist.
• Serves as dentist's chair side assistant.
• Prepares operatory for patient treatment as per Dental Department protocols and the dentist's directions.
• Exposes and develops dental radiographs in accordance with state regulations and law as well as Dental Department directive and protocol.
• Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by the dentist in accordance with state regulation and law and Dental Department directive and protocol.
• Maintains Dental Department equipment in accordance with manufacturer's direction and Dental Department policy and protocol.
• Maintains all Dental Department areas in compliance with Dental department directives and protocols as well as center policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues.
• Maintains adequate operatory supplies and complies a list of individual item shortages for inventory control and ordering purposes.
• Maintains a list of all Dental Department patients, monitors patient flow, and assists the Dental director, dentist in assuring that all patient records and documents are properly and accurately completed and filed.
• Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business and patient of the dental department.
• Insures the sterility of all reusable dental instruments and equipment in accordance with dental department directive and protocol.
• Insures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with dental department directive, center policy as well as state and federal regulations.
• Participates in appropriate health promotion / disease prevention activities, both on site and off site as required.
• As directed by a supervisor, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieved organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.

Requirements

DENTAL ASSISTANT EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED certification
• Board-approved eight-hour infection control course
• Board-approved two-hour course in the Dental Practice Act
• Current certification in basic life support issued by the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, the American Safety and Health Institute, the American Dental Association's Continuing Education Recognition Program, or the Academy of General Dentistry's Program Approval for Continuing Education
• Board-approved course in radiation safety
• Board-approved coronal polishing course
• Certified Dental Assistant preferred but not required
• At least one year experience in dental office setting preferred but not required
• Bilingual in Spanish/English or Armenian/English preferred but not required

DENTAL ASSISTANT PATIENT INTERACTION EXPECTATIONS

• Greet patients before they greet you
• Introduce yourself to both the patient and family
• Listen attentively, respond politely, and make eye contact with every patient
• Personalize your interactions with each patient
• Clearly explain the next steps in their visit and confirm their understanding.
• Keep patients informed of any delays while they are in the exam rooms.
• Assist with wayfinding by either walking the patient to the discharge desk or providing clear directions.

DENTAL ASSISTANT PAY RATE: $22/hr

DENTAL ASSISTANT BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental and Vision - 100% paid by Employer
• Life Insurance and Accidental Dismemberment - 100% paid by Employer
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k)
• 401(k) Matching
• Flexible Spending Account
• Fringe
• Supplemental Insurance

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants, including those with arrest or conviction records. In accordance with the ULAC Fair Chance Ordinance, we will not inquire about or consider criminal history until after a candidate has received a copy of their background check report. All applicants will be evaluated based on their qualifications and ability to perform the essential functions of the job. For more information, please refer to LA County Fair Chance Hiring .

Salary Description

$22/hr