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

Position Summary
Provides training, mentorship, guidance, and support to dental assistant apprentices. Performs all duties of dental assistant or registered dental assistant.
Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Perform all duties of dental assistant or registered dental assistant (depending on licensure.) See job description for Dental Assistant or Registered Dental Assistant.
• Train and mentor dental assisting apprentices on all aspects of dental assisting including but not limited to:
o Setting up, cleaning, and disinfection of dental operatory following regulatory guidelines
o Chair-side assisting
o Dental radiography and photography
o Sterilization
o Taking impressions
o Taking vitals and reviewing medical history
o Setting up for nitrous oxide and monitoring patient
o Dental record taking including entering treatment plans and existing restorations
o Management of patient flow
o Provision of excellent patient care, patient communication, and support
o Adherence to all regulatory guidelines including HIPAA, infection control, etc.
• Ensure apprentice program guidelines and schedule are being followed in training the apprentice.
• Ensure apprentice is meeting competency milestones.
• In addition to providing clinical training, as a mentor be a source of support, guidance, and inclusion into the organization.
Education/Experience

Required:

• Current Dientes dental assistant or registered dental assistant (must have passed probationary period)
• Must be in good standing (no disciplinary action in the last 90 days)
• Must be in compliance with Dientes policies and procedures including HR policies, attendance, professionalism, communication, and teamwork. Be a role model in these areas.
• Current licensure (if applicable), CPR certification, proof of current TB test, Hepatitis Vaccine, and recent physical exam.

Preferred:
• Bilingual (Spanish/English)
Skills/Specialized Knowledge

• Willingness to be patient, calm, and compassionate while providing training to inexperienced staff.
• Willingness to act as a mentor who not only provides clinical training but also makes the apprentice feel welcome, included, and comfortable.
• Be an ambassador of Dientes mission, vision, and culture.
• Strong organizational skills and technical acumen.
• High attention to detail and ability to multi-task.
• Superior customer service /patient care skills with ability to communicate effectively – verbally and in writing - with varying audiences.
• Ability to work well 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.