Dental Assistant (DA/RDA)

United Health Centers of the San Joaquin Valley • Orange Cove, CA

2d

About The Position

We are recruiting Dental Assistants (DA) and Registered Dental Assistants (RDA) to join a health center. Experienced assistants and new Dental Assistant graduates are welcome, with higher pay offered for Registered Dental Assistants. Dental Assistants provide a positive patient experience and excellent-quality care while working closely with dentists and supervisors to help patients remain calm, prepare dentists for procedures, and communicate information clearly. They prepare and arrange tools and instruments, hand necessary tools and equipment to dentists, assist during treatment, chart findings, change barriers, and sterilize equipment.

The role provides prompt dental support, promotes smooth patient flow, collects and records data accurately, and maintains the order of the back office, equipment, and supplies. It supports the organization’s mission to provide community members with access to health care and helps ensure patients and families receive needed care. The position requires clear and consistent communication, respect for confidentiality, participation in health center meetings and in-services, and flexibility to work extended hours when necessary.

Requirements

• High school graduate or GED.
• Completed Dental Assisting training program from an accredited college.
• X-ray certificate.
• Coronal Polish certificate.
• CPR card.
• Valid driver's license.
• Able to build and maintain rapport quickly with patients and providers from differing backgrounds and work as a team member.
• Customer-service oriented.
• Positive professional insight, flexibility, and dependability.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and sound judgment.
• Effective leadership and supervisory skills.
• Familiarity with modern office practices and procedures, including email.
• Intermediate computer skills.
• Attention to detail and excellent follow-through.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Able to lift up to 20 pounds and push up to 50 pounds on wheels.
• Able to hear staff on the phone and people served in person, and speak clearly to communicate information.
• Able to read memos, computer screens, personnel forms, and clinical and administrative documents.
• High manual dexterity.
• Able to reach above shoulder level and bend, squat, sit, stand, stoop, crouch, reach, kneel, and twist or turn.

Nice To Haves

• At least 2 years of dental assisting experience is preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide prompt dental support and promote smooth patient flow.
• Collect and record data accurately.
• Maintain order in the back office and maintain equipment and supplies.
• Prepare and arrange tools and instruments for scheduled procedures.
• Hand tools and equipment to dentists and assist during treatment.
• Chart findings, change barriers, and sterilize equipment.
• Help patients and families receive needed care.
• Communicate consistently and openly with the supervisor and staff.
• Participate in health center in-services and meetings, listening to and respecting others’ ideas.
• Abide by confidentiality rules.
• Work flexible or extended hours when necessary.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with low premium cost for regular-status employees.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• 401(k) plan with matching contribution.
• Educational assistance.
• Employee discounts.

What This Job Offers

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