Dental Assistant I-II-III-IV

La Clinica de La Raza • Oakland, CA

1d

About The Position

La Clínica de La Raza is seeking Dental Assistants at levels I–IV to work alongside dentists in four-handed dentistry. The role combines technical dental-assisting skills with a supportive, patient-centered approach in a fast-paced clinic. Dental Assistants help improve clinic quality and efficiency while contributing to a welcoming patient experience and supporting the dental care team.

The position includes patient-care, clinical, administrative, and office responsibilities. Duties vary by credential level and must be performed under the supervision required for each procedure. La Clínica serves diverse communities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and emphasizes accessible, culturally appropriate care, quality outcomes, teamwork, and professional development.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• X-ray license.
• One to two years of experience as a Dental Assistant.
• Health-clearance certification required of healthcare professionals.
• Knowledge of basic dental assisting practices, terminology, and equipment.
• Knowledge of dental office procedures, including scheduling, registration, treatment estimates, and payment collection.
• Ability to work with modern computer applications and electronic health records.
• Knowledge of cleaning and sterilization techniques for dental equipment, exam rooms, and patient treatment areas.
• Bilingual proficiency.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication in English, with correct spelling and grammar; ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work professionally and collaboratively as a team member and across cultures, and to demonstrate support for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Flexibility in responding gracefully to change.
• Ability to perform clerical duties methodically, independently, thoroughly, quickly, and accurately with minimal supervision; exercise good judgment; and make accurate mathematical computations.
• Ability to work in four-handed dentistry and perform job functions involving continuous movement.
• Availability to participate in Saturday and evening staff rotations.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of a Dental Assistant Training Program is preferred for non-licensed Dental Assistants.

Responsibilities

• Manage patient flow and ensure dental examination rooms are stocked and ready for patients.
• Prepare patients for examinations by taking and recording vital signs and medical and dental histories.
• Help patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment, and communicate patient requests to the dentist or care team.
• Assist dentists during treatment procedures, including taking dental X-rays, as permitted by the applicable credential and supervision requirements.
• Clean, sterilize, and maintain instruments and equipment; prepare instruments, materials, and medication for procedures.
• Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control, and provide post-treatment oral-care instructions.
• Provide prescription information to pharmacies as directed by the dentist.
• Record treatment information in electronic dental records.
• Communicate and work effectively with providers and other dental care team members to support patient care and quality outcomes.
• Participate in huddles, staff meetings, team-building activities, assigned development opportunities, and continuing education.
• Follow La Clínica's ethical and professional standards, policies, and procedures.
• Perform office duties such as scheduling appointments, answering telephones, recording provider updates, completing insurance forms, registering and greeting patients, and logging them into the appropriate electronic system.
• Collect and post payments, prepare treatment estimates for review with patients, and run, balance, and close end-of-day reports.
• Assist patients with insurance forms.
• Inventory, order, and verify receipt of dental, laboratory, and office supplies or equipment.
• Maintain equipment by following operating instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining supplies, performing preventive maintenance, and arranging repairs.
• Perform duties authorized for the applicable Dental Assistant level, including specified radiography, restorative, orthodontic, and other procedures under the required level of dentist supervision.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED