Dental Assistant

Position Purpose

This position is responsible for assisting dentists in the direct provision of primary dental care services to patients at the clinic. Additionally, the Dental Assistant is responsible for sterilizing, preparing, and maintaining inventory control of dental instruments and supplies, as well as ensuring proper infection control in all patient care areas.

Principal Responsibilities

• Serve as the dentist’s chair-side assistant, utilizing four-handed dentistry techniques.
• Aid patients with minor difficulties, answer questions, and provide directions as authorized by the dentist or hygienist.
• Prepare dental procedures and equipment for patient treatment according to Dental Department protocols and dentist directions.
• Complete digital dental radiographs and take intraoral photographs in compliance with state regulations, laws, and Dental Department protocols.
• Perform independent procedures as delegated by the dentist, such as taking alginate impressions and performing coronal polishing, in accordance with state regulations, laws, and department directives.
• Ensure proper disposal of contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in compliance with Dental Department protocols, clinic policies, and state and federal regulations.
• Maintain compliance with Infection Exposure Control, safety, and HIPAA requirements as outlined by local, state, and federal guidelines, as well as department and clinic policies.
• Perform front office duties as needed, including scheduling and confirming appointments, verifying insurance and eligibility, checking patients in and out, collecting co-pays, and managing patient flow to enhance the patient experience.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Dental Manager, Lead RDA, or Lead Dentist.

Skills and Abilities

• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• An outgoing personality is a MUST.
• Ability to work with people from a wide variety of social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to work creatively with other healthcare professionals from various disciplines to achieve optimal results for the clinic’s patients, within an integrated primary healthcare system.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments and responsibilities to ensure compliance with established deadlines and protocols.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word & Excel, email, electronic record systems, attachments, and online applications.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged sitting or standing may be required.
• These physical movements, along with the degree of mobility, manual dexterity, and hand-eye coordination typically associated with dental assisting in both specialty and general practice dentistry, will be performed on a repetitive basis.
• Travel to sites/programs and special functions will be required.
• Working under stressful conditions and irregular hours may be required.

Environmental Conditions Critical to Performance

• Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, radiation, and other conditions common to a clinical environment may routinely occur.
• OSHA Blood borne Pathogen Exposure Classification - Category I.
• Utilizes appropriate infection control protocols.
• May be exposed to low-level radiation.
• Will be exposed to outdoor environmental conditions while traveling.

Education and Experience

• A high school diploma or GED certificate is required.
• Completion of accredited courses in dental assisting is required.
• Radiation Safety Certificate is required.
• Completion of an 8-hour infection control course per California Dental Board guidelines, along with current CPR and First Aid certifications, is required.
• Coronal Polish Certificate will be required as of January 1, 2025.
• Knowledge of oral health education related to children, adolescents, pregnant women, and chronic medical conditions such as HIV, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer is essential.
• Comprehensive knowledge of dental assisting techniques and procedures across all phases of general dentistry.
• Knowledge of modern dental materials, including their storage, handling, and applications.

Employee Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums.
• Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays.
• 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD).
• Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more!

*All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.