Dental Assistant / Registered Dental Assistant - Spanish Speaking Preferred - Extra-Help

About the role

The San Mateo Medical Center (SMMC) Dental Clinics are seeking dedicated and motivated Dental Assistants and Registered Dental Assistants to join their team. The clinics provide comprehensive dental care to the community, including children, adults, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those with complex medical needs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for examination, treatment or surgery; arrange dental instruments, equipment and accessories on trays;
• Set up medical and dental charts and X-rays;
• Take, develop and mount dental X-rays; maintain cleanliness of the X-ray room;
• Maintain dental/medical records of patient examinations and treatments, dental charts and medical histories;
• Schedule return appointments for patients;
• Schedule patients per provider request;
• Maintain office, operatories and equipment in sanitary and orderly condition;
• Clean, oil, and prepare dental equipment for sterilization;
• Mix dental medicaments;
• Respond appropriately to patient emergencies during treatment or surgery;
• Conduct mouth inspections and provide preventative services, including, pit and fissure sealant application, coronal polishing, and topical fluoride application;
• Provide chairside assistance to dental providers in all procedures of clinical dentistry, including oral surgery, pediatrics, and other procedures as permitted by the California Dental Board for Registered Dental Assistant;
• Under direct supervision, perform pulp vitality testing, and record findings;
• Fabricate and cement temporary crowns and place temporary fillings;
• Under direct supervision, assist in the administration of nitrous oxide sedation (i.e. adjust the flow of gas as directed).

Qualifications

• Knowledge of preparation of patients for examination, methods of use, care and sterilization of instruments and equipment, dental hygiene instruction, prophylaxis or coronal polish (for RDA level), and sealants (for RDA level); dental X-ray techniques and safety procedures; dental terminology; office procedures and record keeping;
• Ability to take, develop and evaluate dental X-rays; work tactfully with patients and other personnel under stressful conditions; respond appropriately to patient emergencies during treatment or surgery;
• Completion of a course of instruction for dental assistants; possession of a Certificate of examination for radiation safety from the California Board of Dental Examiners; possession of a Certificate of completion for a course in Basic Life Support as approved by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association; possession of a valid California License as Registered Dental Assistant issued by the California Board of Dental Examiners.