Entry-Level Dental Assistant

Central Neighborhood Hlth Fdn•Los Angeles, CA

5h•$0 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

Central Neighborhood Health Foundation is a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) committed to the Triple Aim. This is a full-time, non-exempt position responsible for assisting the dentist(s) and dental hygienist(s) in the direct provision of primary care dental services to patients. The Dental Assistant is responsible for sterilization, preparation, and inventory control of dental instruments and supplies. They work on behalf of the patient and the dentist, helping to assure a high level of professional excellence in oral health care delivery.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
CPR certification
On the job training or Certification in Dental Assisting
Current California RDA license
Ability to perform detailed work according to established formats and protocols

Nice To Haves

At least two years of experience in a clinical setting preferred.
Fluent in Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Assists in the provision of high-quality care within the scope of service consistent with accepted standards of care for dental assistants.
Prepares each operatory and patient for treatment.
Takes and prepares radiographs using conventional or digital technology.
Provides active chairside assistance to the Dentist and anticipates the provider’s needs.
At the conclusion of patient care, assists the patient, clears the work site and prepares for the next patient.
Monitors the flow of laboratory cases.
Monitors and records sterilization cycles.
Maintains and inventories supplies.
Helps to manage patient flow in clinic.
Follows proper infection control protocols for the practice.
Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies and equipment; prepares the operatory for the patient visit.
Seats patient in chair and explains procedures to be performed; Collects and records patient health histories.
Drapes patient with protective linens and sets up instrument tray containing instruments, suction, gauze and other required supplies.
Prepares dental materials—cements, amalgams, composites, impression materials, etc.
Takes and prepares radiographs using conventional or digital technology and following proper radiation safety precautions.
Assists with dental charting as appropriate.
Assists in the prevention and management of dental emergencies.
Manages the patient during dental procedures.
Provides active chairside assistance; transfers instruments as appropriate for four-handed dentistry; anticipates the dentist’s needs.
Takes impressions for study casts, athletic mouth guards and custom tray. Performs laboratory procedures neatly and efficiently. Pours models with no bubbles, properly trim models, and polish dental prosthesis.
At the conclusion of the procedure, assists patient, clears work site of instruments and other materials; follows proper infection control protocols and prepares the operatory for the next patient.
Monitors and documents the flow of laboratory cases; maintains lab facility.
Performs, monitors and records all sterilization activities.
Maintains proper aseptic techniques necessary with dental equipment; maintains and properly sterilizes instruments.
Routinely cleans, disinfects and restocks operatory.
Scans reception room for patients and helps to manage patient flow.
Maintains and inventories dental supplies and reorders as necessary; tracks and verifies invoices.
Cleans and sterilizes all instruments; helps to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC and ADA standards.
Performs miscellaneous duties within the Dental Program as assigned.
Polish the patient’s teeth to remove stains and soft deposits.
Apply topical fluoride and varnishes.
Apply pit and fissure sealants.
Remove surgical sutures.
Adapt temporary crowns.
Place topical medications.
Remove excess cement from fabricated restoration and orthodontic bands.