Dental - RDA (Full-Time Temporary)

San Diego Community Health Center•San Diego, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dental Assistant (RDA) will be responsible for providing direct patient care, assisting dentists during procedures, managing equipment and instruments, maintaining patient records, and educating patients on oral hygiene. This role requires a strong understanding of dental procedures, infection control, and patient communication. The position is a full-time temporary role focused on delivering excellent patient care and supporting the dental team.

Requirements

Completion of an accredited Dental Assisting program.
Current CA Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license.
Current Coronal Polishing and Pit/Fissure Sealant Certificate.
Valid X-Ray certificate.
Current CPR/BLS certification through the American Heart Association.
Six months to one year experience.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Excellent attention to detail.
Ability to anticipate dentist needs.
Knowledge of infection control procedures, safety protocols, and dental terminology.
Ability to maintain a calm and positive demeanor, even in high-stress situations.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Excellent time management skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and meticulous records.
Effective interpersonal skills.
Able to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
Able to perform basic mathematical calculations.
Must be reliable and extremely trustworthy.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Suite or related programs.
Ability to learn other accounting software systems.
Able to lift/move up to 20 pounds, move from place to place.
Able to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods.
Ability to do math, organize and prioritize workload, work effectively and efficiently under stress.
Ability to supervise, multitask, understand, and follow instructions.
Ability to proficiently read, write, speak, and understand English.

Nice To Haves

Experience with dental software and radiographic procedures is a plus.
Experience serving a multinational, multicultural population.
FQHC experience.
Familiarity with community health clinics and/or Indian Health Clinics preferred.
ECW EHR.
Bilingual in Spanish/English a plus.

Responsibilities

Greet and prepare patients for dental treatments, ensuring patient comfort.
Obtain and review patient health history, ensuring accurate records are maintained.
Assist the dentist during procedures by providing instruments and materials, anticipating needs, and maintaining a sterile working area.
Perform chair-side assistance in all general dental procedures, including examinations, restorations, extractions, and root canals.
Take and develop dental X-rays, ensuring patient safety protocols are followed.
Place dental dams, apply fluoride, remove sutures, and perform other approved RDA functions.
Set up and prepare the dental operatory, ensuring instruments and materials are ready.
Clean and sterilize dental instruments and maintain cleanliness in the operatory according to OSHA and CDC guidelines.
Maintain, organize, and track inventory of dental supplies and materials.
Accurately record treatment information, procedure details, and patient notes in the electronic dental record (EDR) system.
Maintain patient confidentiality and follow all HIPAA guidelines.
Provide patients with instructions for post-procedure care, answer questions, and address concerns.
Educate patients on good oral hygiene practices and preventative care measures.
Actively support, promote, and work to fulfill the Mission, Vision, and core values of SDAIHC.
Provide excellent internal and external customer service.
Demonstrate SDAIHC’s Standards of Customer Service Behavior: Compassion, Attitude, Communication, Appearance, Sense of Ownership, and Teamwork.
Participate in on-going customer service training.
Contribute to the success of the organization by participating in quality improvement activities.
Comply with all SDAIHC policies and procedures and proactively participate in the implementation of new initiatives.
Ensure regulatory compliance and adherence with policies and procedures related to safe work practices.
Participate in infection prevention through appropriate use of infection control measures.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for maintaining physical spaces, equipment, and supplies.
Use all appropriate equipment and/or tools to ensure workplace safety.
Immediately report unsafe working conditions.
Maintain privacy and security of all patients, employee, and volunteer information.
Comply with all regulations regarding corporate integrity and security obligations.
Report on unethical, fraudulent, or unlawful behavior or activity.
Uphold strict ethical standards.