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

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

***Essential Functions/Responsibilities***
• General Supervision:
• 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.
• Operate dental radiography equipment for oral radiography and have a radiographic safety certificate.
• Perform intraoral and extraoral photography.
• Direct Supervision:
• Apply non-aerosol and non-caustic 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. o 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.
• 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:
• A high school diploma or its equivalent.
• DA Certification and prior experience working as a Dental Assistant
• 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 with Dentrix and other database programs

***Skills/Specialized Knowledge***
• Willingness to be trained and have the ability to 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 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).