Dental Assistant (DA)

Salinas Valley Dental Care•Salinas, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under Direct and Indirect Supervision, the dental assistant will assist the Dentist in both administrative and clinical duties including prepare patient for procedure or exam, sterilize and disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, and prepare materials, and assist during dental procedures. Provide patient and practice support services; including, but not limited to, personal assistance, medical attention, and emotional support.

Requirements

High School Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate.
Diploma or certificate from an approved 281 dental assisting program as accredited by CDA
Exceptional hand eye coordination and control in order to use dental implements for exams, to provide dentist assistance, and mixing and/or placing materials on dental tools, products, and in mouths.
Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer) as required for mixing and placing materials on tools and in mouths.
Must always represent the practice in a professional, pleasant, and cooperative manner.
Must maintain regular, consistent and punctual attendance in accordance with assigned schedule and time off policies.
Must be able to comfortably and efficiently handle multiple deadlines and task assignments.
Must be able to work both independently and cooperatively in team settings.
Must always maintain the highest level of confidentiality to HIPAA standards.
Adhere to strict safety guidelines and procedures to OSHA and office standards.
Adhere to office policy and procedures when collecting payments.
Must be comfortable seeing and able to maintain a professional demeanor and attitude while working around blood and smells that may be unpleasant.
Must be detail oriented in order to work efficiently in small spaces and maintain patient comfort.
Must excel in forward thinking in order to anticipate the needs of the doctor as well as the patient.
Must demonstrate active listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Must demonstrate good reading comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Must demonstrate excellent communication skills - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Nice To Haves

Preferred two years dental practice experience.

Responsibilities

Assist with dental and medical emergencies according to OSHA and office procedures
Maintain CPR certification.
Assist chair side during administration of nitrous oxide.
Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
Clean and polish removable appliances.
Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
Record treatment information in patient records.
Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
Actively provide hand instruments and materials to Dentist, as needed, during exams and procedures in order to help maintain patient comfort and Dentist’s efficiency.
Using and maintaining hazard control protocols as established by OSHA and office standards.
Must always represent the practice in a professional, pleasant, and cooperative manner.
Must maintain regular, consistent and punctual attendance in accordance with assigned schedule and time off policies.
Must be able to comfortably and efficiently handle multiple deadlines and task assignments.
Must be able to work both independently and cooperatively in team settings.
Occasionally there may be some travel, by car or plane, required in order for you to participate in continuing education or seminars.
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Other duties and tasks, as assigned periodically.