Dental Assistant III (Registered Dental Assistant)

About the role

The role of a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) III is to support dentists and dental hygienists in delivering advanced, high-quality patient care. This role is an advanced-level dental assistant responsible for providing expert clinical support, supervising junior staff, and assisting with specialized dental procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assists the dentist in complex and specialized dental procedures and in all aspects of four-handed dentistry.
• Performs advanced tasks, including taking impressions for diagnostic and opposing models, placing sealants, and using specialized equipment, as allowed by the State of California regulations.
• Affirms that operatories and equipment are maintained clean and organized for use.
• Ensures proper sterilization of instruments as needed (autoclave and cold sterilization) and maintenance of instruments and equipment.
• Plays and trims models for diagnostic studies.
• Maintains inventory of all dental supplies.
• Aids in the presentation of post-operative instruction.
• Provides training, guidance, and supervision to junior dental assistants.
• Maintains accurate patient records.
• Participates in staff meetings and attends other meetings and training events as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and completion of an accredited dental assisting program.
• Five (5) plus years of extensive experience in dental assisting is preferred.
• Active Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification/license. Certified by the State of California to take dental x-rays.
• Knowledge of procedures for taking dental x-rays.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Ability to keep accurate, clear and legible records.
• Ability to work with Electronic Health Records (EHR).
• Proficient in English and Spanish bilingual fluency is preferred.
• Knowledge of dental assistant principles and practices.
• Skill in assisting dentist in four-handed dentistry.
• Knowledge of how to sterilize instruments.
• Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, dental team members, and the public.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines and procedures.
• Leadership and mentoring skills with the ability to manage a team effectively.
• Strong analytical, employee relations, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent writing, business communication, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Ability to interact effectively and in a supportive manner with persons of all backgrounds.
• Proactive, self-motivated and able to work independently as well as on a team with the ability to exercise sound independent judgment.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and a professional demeanor and must positively represent the organization at all times.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and professional working relationships.
• Must be able to adjust priorities quickly as circumstances dictate.
• Must be able to be at work regularly and on time.
• Must be a dynamic self-starter with demonstrated ability to work independently or in a group setting.
• A can-do attitude and attention to detail, with the ability to organize.
• Ability to type a minimum of 35 WPM with minimal errors.
• Must have good computer skills using Microsoft Office and the ability to use Axis departmental systems.
• Must be able to use office equipment (i.e. copier, fax, etc.).