Dental Assistant needed in our dental office (DA/RDA)

Job Summary

RDA works on behalf of the patient and the dentist, helping to assure a high level of professional excellence in oral health care delivery. We are looking for a highly energetic dental assistant who is patient orientated, skilled, and willing to learn and collaborate with others.

Summary of Essential Job Functions:

• Prepares treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
• Prepares patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and draping patient.
• Record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patient as needed.
• Provides information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests.
• Provides instrumentation by sterilizing and delivering instruments to treatment area; positioning instruments for dentist's access; suctioning; passing instruments.
• Provides materials by selecting, mixing, and placing materials on instruments and in the patient's mouth.
• Provides diagnostic information by exposing and developing radiographic studies; pouring, trimming, and polishing study casts.
• Maintains patient appearance and ability to masticate by fabricating temporary restorations; cleaning and polishing removable appliances.
• Assist the dentist during examinations and treatment procedures.
• Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining basic life support (CPR) certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply, and emergency telephone directory.
• Educates patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control, and postoperative instructions as prescribed and directed.
• Documents dental care services by charting in patient records.
• Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
• Maintains safe and clean working environment in compliance with office policies and procedures, safety and OSHA guidelines.
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques.
• Conserves dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Participate in the achievement of patient satisfaction and office production goals by working efficiently and providing a high level of patient service.
• Assist with other duties as directed.
• Maintain regular, predictable attendance.
• Answer calls and help the front office when needed. Willing to be cross-trained.

Minimum Requirements:

• Current California RDA license.
• Current basic life support (CPR) certification.
• Good communication skills and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to perform detailed work according to established formats and protocols.

Preferred Requirements

• At least two years of experience in a clinical setting preferred.
• Fluent in Spanish and English.
• OpenDental Software experience.

Physical Abilities Required:

• Should be able to assist wheelchair patients in and out of the dental chair.
• Must be able to hear people on the phone and in person in order to communicate information properly.
• Must have vision adequate to read written materials, computer screens, forms and other clinical documents.
• Must have high level of manual dexterity.
• Must be able to reach above shoulder level to work and able to bend, squat, sit, stand, stoop, crouch, reach, kneel, twist and turn.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic dental practice where you can utilize your skills and grow professionally.