DENTAL ASSISTANT

About the role

The Dental Assistant maintains clean treatment rooms and assists during patient appointments. This role performs basic dental procedures, including cleanings and patient x-rays, while maintaining complex client records with strict confidentiality. The Dental Assistant works with patients of all ages and reports to the Dental Clinic Manager.

Responsibilities

• Maintains exemplary customer service skills with patients, vendors, and co-workers.
• Takes x-rays (if licensed) as authorized and prescribed by dentist(s).
• Takes impressions, pours and trims models, and performs other laboratory procedures as directed by dentist(s).
• Presents treatment plans to patients at chairside.
• Sterilizes instruments according to SBNC policies and procedures.
• Assists dentist at chairside with a variety of procedures (90% of the time involves sitting, bending, and twisting).
• Provides patient-centered counseling, ensures completion of consent forms, answers questions, and offers patient education materials, instructions (e.g., oral hygiene, post-operative care, denture care), and referrals.
• Verifies patient eligibility, address, and phone number at each visit.
• Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies, and equipment.
• Cleans and stocks exam rooms before clinic, after each patient, and at the end of each session.
• Maintains records of spore and dosimeter monitoring.
• Performs inventory control and management.
• Takes accurate notes and records in the patient’s electronic dental record as dictated by dentist(s).
• Performs other reasonably related duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates understanding of and observes all SBNC policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Attends required SBNC meetings and trainings.
• Interacts positively with patients, physicians, staff, vendors, and visitors to reflect the SBNC mission and philosophy.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Within one year of employment, completion of:
  • A California Dental Board-approved course in the Dental Practice Act.
  • A California Dental Board-approved course in infection control.
  • A basic life support course approved by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or equivalent, including hands-on simulated clinical scenarios.
• X-Ray certification required.
• Six months of experience directly related to the duties specified, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of techniques and practices for assigned supportive dental procedures within the scope of licensure.
• Familiarity with work and patient safety practices in a dental care setting.
• Understanding of hygiene practices in a dental care setting.
• Ability to learn and use the electronic dental records (EDR) system.
• Diplomatic interaction with dentists, staff, and patients.
• Ability to concentrate on tasks without distraction.
• Follows verbal and written instructions accurately.
• Effective communication with patients, co-workers, and managers.
• Accurate spelling of common dental terms in English.
• Preferred: Ability to speak Spanish.

Physical Demands

• Works in close physical proximity with patients and dentists throughout the shift.
• Performs most work seated for extended periods, with frequent bending and twisting.
• Uses hands to manipulate tools and equipment with precise movements.
• Quickly and repeatedly adjusts equipment controls to exact positions.
• Keeps hands and arms steady while moving or holding them in position.
• Makes precise finger movements to grasp, manipulate, or assemble small objects.
• Sees details at close range, with or without magnification.
• Must wear appropriate protective or safety equipment while treating patients.

Pay

Salary range: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour.