Registered Dental Assistant at Dientes Community Dental Care – Santa Cruz, California

INTERNAL PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY ONLY

***Position Summary***
Perform basic supportive dental procedures under the supervision of a dentist; must be available to work Saturdays.

***Essential Functions/Responsibilities***

General Supervision:
Perform all duties assigned to dental assistants, under the supervision of a
licensed dentist.
Operate dental radiography equipment for oral radiography and have a
radiographic safety certificate.
Perform intraoral and extraoral photography.
Mouth-mirror inspection of the oral cavity, to include charting of obvious lesions,
existing restorations and missing teeth.
Placement and removal of temporary sedative dressings

Direct supervision
Obtain endodontic cultures
Application of pits and fissure sealants (Certification required)
Dry canals, previously opened by the supervising dentist, with absorbent points.
Test pulp vitality
Placing of bases and liners on sound dentin
Removal of cement excess from supragingival surfaces of teeth
Sizing of stainless steel crowns, temporary crowns, and bands
Coronal Polishing (Board approved course required)
May perform this function prior to rubber dam application; placement of bands,
crowns and restorations; fluoride application, acid etch procedures; or after
removal of dressings Apply non-aerosol and noncaustic topical agents.
Apply topical fluoride.
Take intraoral impressions for all non-prosthodontic appliances.
Place and remove rubber dams or other isolation devices.
Place, wedge, and remove matrices for restorative procedures.
Remove post-extraction dressings after inspection of the surgical site by the
supervising licensed dentist.
Cure restorative or orthodontic materials in operative site with a light-curing device.

Patient Care
Manage patient flow to maximize patient access and service by ensuring dental
exam rooms are adequately stocked and are ready for patients.
Prepare patients for dental examination by taking and recording vital signs and
medical/dental histories.
Help patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment
Effectively communicate request from patients to dentist or dental care team
members.
Assist the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures such as taking dental x-
rays.
Clean, sterilize, and maintain an adequate supply of functioning instruments and
equipment.
Prepare instruments, materials and medication for use in dental procedures.
Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
Provide patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental
treatment procedures.
Record treatment information in patient records using Electronic Dental Records
system.

Other Duties
Stock, clean and prepare operatories
Seat patients and have proper set-up procedures before doctor enters
Update health history if needed
Assist the doctor at the chair
Chart patients services
Dismiss patients and complete their charts
Prepare operatories for next patient
Pour and trim study models
Oil hand pieces, sterilize instruments
Keep supplies stocked
Change plaster trap monthly
Clean impression trays daily
Clean operatories
Direct Doctor to the next patient
Other duties as assigned

Commitment to Quality
Demonstrate a commitment to excellent patient experience and quality outcomes
in equal measure.
Communicate and work effectively with providers and other members of the dental
care team to best serve patients. Contribute to a welcoming clinical space and
healthy work environment through proactive relationship building, direct
communication and sound judgment.
Engaged participation in huddles, staff meetings, team building activities and
assigned development opportunities. Continue your professional development
through participation in educational opportunities
Adherence to all Dientes’ ethical and professional standards, including Dientes
policies and procedures.

***Education and/or Experience***
Required:
Must possess a valid Registered Dental Assistant License from the Dental Board
of California
Coronal Polishing and X-ray Licenses
Possession of radiological safety license.
Current CPR certification, proof of current TB test, Hepatitis Vaccine, and recent
physical exam.
Computer literate and have experience with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Possession of up-to-date CPR certification and completion of yearly OSHA
training.

Preferred:
Bilingual (Spanish/English)
2 years’ experience working as a DA post certification
Experience working with children
Experience with Dentrix and other database programs
Sealant Certification

***Skills/Specialized Knowledge***
Willingness to be trained and have the ability to retain information of the assigned
duties and responsibilities listed in this job description
Strong organizational skills and technical acumen to carry out assigned duties.
High attention to detail and ability to multi-task.
Superior customer service /patient care skills
Ability to work well independently and as a part of a team with demonstrated
dedication to excellence. Personal integrity manifested in a positive and credible
image
Established comfort working with diverse cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles and
experiences
***Work Environment/Other***
Clinic/Patient Care/Dental Environment

***Equal Opportunity Employer Statement***
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and applicants with disabilities who need assistance during the hiring process, in accordance with the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).