Dental Assistant Apprentice in Santa Cruz, California at Dientes Community Dental Care

***THIS JOB LISTING IS ONLY FOR SELECT INTERNAL CANDIDATES***

Position Summary
Receives on the job training from Dental Assistant Trainer to learn basic supportive dental procedures to receive Dental Assistant certification.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities
At the completion of the Apprenticeship Program, employee will be required to fulfill the following duties:
• General Supervision:
o Extra-oral duties or procedures specified by the supervising licensed dentist, provided that these duties or procedures meet the definition of a basic supportive procedure.
o Operate dental radiography equipment for oral radiography and have a radiographic safety certificate.
o Perform intraoral and extraoral photography.
• Direct Supervision:
o Apply non-aerosol and non-caustic topical agents.
o Apply topical fluoride.
o Take intraoral impressions for all non-prosthodontic appliances.
o Place and remove rubber dams or other isolation devices.
o Place, wedge, and remove matrices for restorative procedures.
o Remove post-extraction dressings after inspection of the surgical site by the supervising licensed dentist.
o Cure restorative or orthodontic materials in operative site with a light-curing device.
• Patient Care
o Manage patient flow to maximize patient access and service by ensuring dental exam rooms are adequately stocked and are ready for patients.
o Prepare patients for dental examination by taking and recording vital signs and medical/dental histories.
o Help patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment.
o Effectively communicate requests from patients to dentist or dental care team members.
o Assist the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures such as taking dental x-rays.
o Clean, sterilize, and maintain an adequate supply of functioning instruments and equipment.
o Prepare instruments, materials, and medication for use in dental procedures. o Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
o Provide patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures.
o Record treatment information in patient records using Electronic Dental Records system.
• Commitment to Quality:
o Demonstrate a commitment to excellent patient experience and quality outcomes in equal measure.
o 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.
o Engaged participation in huddles, staff meetings, team building activities and assigned development opportunities. Continue your professional development through participation in educational opportunities.
o Adherence to all Dientes’ ethical and professional standards, including Dientes policies and procedures.

Education and/or Experience
Required:
• A high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Enrolled in the Registered Apprenticeship Program for Dental Assistants
• Approved for a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grant
• 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.

Preferred:
• Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Skills/Specialized Knowledge
• Willingness to be trained and can retain information of the assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Strong organizational skills and technical acumen to carry out above assigned duties.
• High attention to detail and ability to multi-task.
• Superior customer service /patient care skills with ability to communicate effectively – verbally and inwriting - with varying audiences.
• Ability to work well independently and as a part of a team with demonstrated dedication to excellence. Personal integrity is manifested in a positive and credible image.
• Established comfort working with diverse cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles, and experiences.