Dental Assistant

Universal Community Health Center•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

As a Dental Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting dental procedures and ensuring smooth operations within the dental practice. Your responsibilities include preparing treatment rooms, assisting dentists during patient examinations and procedures, and providing exceptional patient care. You'll also be responsible for sterilizing instruments, maintaining equipment, and ensuring adherence to infection control protocols. Strong communication skills and a passion for patient well-being are essential for success in this role.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited Dental Assistant program required (remove “or equivalent on-the-job training”).
Current Dental Assistant certification/license as required by the state of California.
CPR/BLS certification required (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
Must successfully pass a fingerprinted background check.
Certified Dental Assistant Diploma.
Dental Radiation Safety Certification.
Coronal Polishing Certification.
8-Hour Infection Control Certification.
California Dental Practice Act.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Experience assisting in general dentistry procedures.
Knowledge of infection control, sterilization processes, and OSHA standards.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to provide respectful, patient-centered care in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation in an EHR/EMR system.
Able to speak/write English clearly and understand.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Correct grammar, spelling skills, and legible writing.
Skills in answering the telephone in a pleasant and helpful manner and using a multi-line phone system.
Able to read, understand, and follow oral and written instructions.
Demonstrate compassion and caring in dealing with others.
Tactfulness/soft spoken.
Demonstrate willing to adapt to change.
Be able to prioritize workload while remaining flexible.
Confident positive manner and appearance.
A medical mindset to understand the theories, reasons, and technical aspects of medicine.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Ability to maintain records.
Knowledge in the fields of medicine, anatomy and physiology.
Bilingual-English/Spanish
Physical effort which may include occasional light lifting to a 25 pound limit, and some bending, stooping or squatting. Considerable walking may be involved. The ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time is required.
Flexibility to work in multiple locations throughout the week.
Finger dexterity required.
Hand coordination required.
Specific vision abilities required for this job include: close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust or focus.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with diverse, underserved, and/or Medicaid populations preferred.
Experience in an FQHC, community clinic, or public health setting.
Familiarity with EHR systems (e.g., eClinicalWorks or similar).

Responsibilities

Assist dental providers chairside during general dentistry procedures, anticipating provider needs and supporting efficient delivery of care.
Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, and supplies prior to patient visits; ensure operatories remain clean, stocked, and ready for use.
Take dental radiographs as permitted by licensure/certification and in accordance with California requirements.
Escort patients to exam rooms, collect/verify relevant medical and dental history as assigned, and document appropriately in the patient chart.
Provide patient education and support (pre/post-procedure instructions, oral hygiene guidance, follow-up reminders) within scope and as directed by the provider.
Maintain accurate clinical documentation in the EHR, ensuring required information is available prior to appointments and entered timely.
Maintain strict confidentiality and safeguard patient information in compliance with HIPAA and UCHC standards.
Follow infection control, sterilization, and OSHA standards; disinfect and clean rooms after patient care; properly dispose of contaminated materials.
Maintain sterilization processes and logs/checks as required (e.g., water logs, cold sterilization, instrument logs, emergency medications, expired medications).
Support inventory management by monitoring stock levels, placing supply requests/orders, and verifying receipt.
Support clinic flow and efficiency across assigned sites, assisting with set-up, turnaround, and patient readiness to maintain on-time schedules.
Provide courteous communication with patients and team members; take messages and route calls as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned to support clinic operations.