Dental Assistant / Registered Dental Assistant - Spanish Speaking Preferred (Open and Promotional)

County of San Mateo•San Mateo, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The San Mateo Medical Center (SMMC) Dental Clinics are seeking motivated Dental Assistants and Registered Dental Assistants to join their team. These clinics serve diverse populations, including children, adults, homeless individuals, and patients with complex medical needs, across five locations and a mobile clinic. The role involves providing comprehensive dental care, with opportunities for advancement from Dental Assistant to Registered Dental Assistant upon obtaining certification. The positions are full-time or part-time, and Spanish speaking is preferred but not required. The ideal candidate is a skilled, compassionate professional committed to high-quality care for underserved communities.

Requirements

A valid California Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license.
Proficiency in chairside assisting, digital X-rays, mixing dental materials, and maintaining a sterile environment.
Registered Dental Assistants should also be proficient in performing expanded functions within their scope of practice, including coronal polishing, sealant application, fluoride varnish application, and other duties permitted under the California Dental Practice Act.
Experience using Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems, with a strong preference for EPIC.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while remaining composed when handling patient emergencies or high patient volumes.
Capability to conduct oral inspections and provide preventive services, including coronal polishing and topical fluoride application.
Ability to provide chairside assistance in all phases of clinical dentistry, including oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, and other specialized procedures.
Experience in testing pulp health, fabricating temporary fillings and crowns, and re-cementing dislodged temporary restorations.
Competency in assisting with the administration of Nitrous sedation.
Fluency in Spanish (reading, writing, and speaking) is highly desirable.
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 Basic Life Support course as approved by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
To qualify for the Registered Dental Assistant Level, possession of a valid California License as Registered Dental Assistant issued by the California Board of Dental Examiners.

Nice To Haves

Spanish speaking is preferred, but not required.
Experience using Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems, with a strong preference for EPIC.
Fluency in Spanish (reading, writing, and speaking) is highly desirable.

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; complete insurance forms; 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.
Follow prescribed procedures in response to patient emergencies during treatment such as gagging, vomiting, convulsions, etc.; clean patients' air passages, remove obstacles from mouth and support head.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Conduct mouth inspections and provide preventative services, including, pit and fissure sealant application, coronal polishing, and topical fluoride application (for RDA).
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).