Dental Assistant, Spanish, 3050

NATIVE AMERICAN HEALTH CENTER INC • Oakland, CA

1d • $25 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

The Dental Assistant (DA) is a key member of the Native American Health Center’s Dental Department, providing chairside support in a multidisciplinary setting at both General and Pediatric clinics. The DA performs duties in accordance with the California Dental Practice Act, follows infection-control practices, and maintains HIPAA standards. The role may include occasional Saturdays as needed and directed by operations, as well as outreach and off-site work at mobile and satellite clinics when requested by the direct supervisor. This is a full-time, non-exempt, union position reporting to the Dental Assistant Supervisor. The role is based at the Native American Health Center, 3050 International Blvd., Oakland, California, and requires travel of up to 25%.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Dental Assistant certification and prior experience working as a Dental Assistant; preferably at least two years of experience.
• Dental radiation safety license and experience with digital X-ray technology.
• BLS/CPR certification obtained before the start date and maintained current.
• Knowledge of the Bay Area Native American community and commitment to serving Native Americans and other vulnerable member populations.
• Fluency in Spanish, both written and verbal.
• Ability to handle day-to-day challenges, adapt to multiple demands and shifting priorities, and demonstrate flexibility.
• Self-starter with initiative, high integrity, and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to meet the role’s physical demands, including regularly sitting and using hands, frequently talking or hearing, frequently standing, walking, reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, and occasionally lifting or moving up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to meet post-offer pre-employment physical, TB test, and vaccination-clearance requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience with an EDR system, particularly Dentrix.

Responsibilities

• Perform duties in accordance with the California Dental Practice Act and accepted standards of care for dental assistants.
• Provide chairside assistance and high-quality care in General and Pediatric clinics.
• Greet members professionally and provide effective customer service; work calmly and patiently with children and people with mental or physical disabilities.
• Collaborate with dentists to provide oral-hygiene instructions to members and parents or caregivers.
• Apply topical anesthetic when requested by the assigned dentist.
• Obtain and record members’ vital signs as indicated by treatment or requested by the dental provider.
• Capture diagnostic-quality digital radiographs and document them accurately in the member’s electronic dental record (EDR).
• Prepare operatories for members and maintain aseptic conditions in accordance with departmental infection-control practices.
• Review chart notes and planned treatment to prepare charts, trays, and operatories.
• Prepare instruments, trays, materials, and equipment for dental procedures.
• Provide pre- and post-operative instructions; review required forms, ensure they are complete, and gather signatures with guidance from the dental provider.
• Use four-handed chairside assisting techniques to support visibility, isolation, and efficient transfer of instruments and materials, following the dental provider’s instructions.
• Support member flow by keeping work areas organized, stocked, and clean; seat members, float, and support other dental team members.
• Obtain preliminary impressions for diagnostic and opposing study models.
• Manage prosthetic laboratory cases by preparing, packaging, tracking, receiving, and storing cases accurately and promptly.
• Notify the Dental Assistant Supervisor when supplies need replenishing.
• Communicate and work effectively with dental personnel, including relaying information about member care and referrals as appropriate.
• Perform sterilization and maintenance procedures in accordance with departmental policies and manufacturer guidelines.
• In Oakland, assist the orthodontist with removal and replacement of ligature ties under the orthodontist’s guidance.
• Participate in outreach and off-site events providing dental treatment when requested by the direct supervisor.
• Provide translation services for the department as needed.
• Apply safety policies and practices to protect members and employees, and follow required protective protocols.
• Maintain compliance with ergonomic safety standards, including attention to posture and regular ergonomic stretches.
• Participate in assigned internal quality-improvement teams and initiatives aligned with organizational goals, laws, regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Protect the confidentiality of all protected health information, comply with HIPAA policies, and promptly report unauthorized use or disclosure.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries.
• Personal time off (PTO) or a sick/vacation leave program.
• Employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan for full-time regular-status employees.
• Medical insurance for employees and dependents, with an employee contribution toward dependent medical premiums.
• Vision insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Flexible spending account.
• Group term life insurance.
• Voluntary life insurance for employees and dependents.

What This Job Offers

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