Dental Assistant I-II-III-IV (On-call)

La Clinica de La Raza • Pittsburg, CA

1d

About The Position

La Clínica de La Raza seeks on-call Dental Assistants at levels I–IV to work alongside dentists in four-handed dentistry. The role combines technical dental-assisting skills with a welcoming, patient-centered approach to improve clinic quality, efficiency, and patient experience. Successful candidates enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds, thrive in a fast-paced clinic, remain composed under pressure, and are reliable, resourceful, friendly, and helpful to other care-team members.

The position includes patient-care, clinical-support, and general office duties. Dental Assistants prepare patients and treatment rooms, assist dentists during procedures, maintain instruments and equipment, document care, provide oral-care instructions, and support clinic administration. The duties permitted depend on the assistant’s level and credentials. The posting describes allowable procedures for DA I, DA II, DA III, and DA IV, performed under the supervision specified for each procedure and in accordance with applicable requirements.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• X-ray license.
• One to two years of experience as a Dental Assistant.
• Bilingual proficiency.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication in English, with correct spelling and grammar; ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work in four-handed dentistry and perform job functions involving continuous movement.
• Ability to work professionally and collaboratively as a team member and support clinic quality and efficiency standards.
• Ability to work across cultures and demonstrate support for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Flexibility in accepting change gracefully.
• Ability to perform clerical duties methodically, independently, thoroughly, quickly, and accurately with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work independently, exercise good judgment, and make accurate mathematical computations.
• Availability to participate in Saturday and evening staff rotations.
• Certification for health clearances required of healthcare professionals.
• For licensed positions: applicable credentials described in the posting, including RDA for DA II and RDA-Extended Function for DA III or DA IV.
• Perform only duties authorized for the applicable assistant level and under the required dentist supervision.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of a Dental Assistant Training Program is preferred for non-licensed DA I candidates.

Responsibilities

• Manage patient flow and ensure dental examination rooms are stocked and ready for patients.
• Prepare patients for examinations by taking and recording vital signs and medical and dental histories.
• Help patients feel comfortable before, during, and after treatment.
• Communicate patient requests effectively to the dentist or other dental-care team members.
• Assist the dentist with treatment procedures, including taking dental X-rays when authorized.
• Clean and sterilize instruments and maintain adequate supplies of functioning instruments and equipment.
• Prepare instruments, materials, and medication for dental procedures.
• Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque-control programs and provide post-treatment oral-care instructions.
• Provide prescription information to pharmacies as directed by the dentist.
• Record treatment information in patient records using the Electronic Dental Records system.
• Support excellent patient experiences and quality outcomes, and work effectively with providers and other dental-care team members.
• Contribute to a welcoming clinical space and healthy work environment through relationship building, direct communication, and sound judgment.
• Participate in huddles, staff meetings, team-building activities, and assigned development opportunities; continue professional development through educational opportunities.
• Follow La Clínica’s ethical and professional standards, policies, and procedures.
• Schedule appointments, answer telephones, record medical updates from providers, and complete insurance forms.
• Register patients, collect and post payments, prepare treatment estimates for review with patients, and run, balance, and close end-of-day reports.
• Assist patients with insurance forms and greet and log in arriving patients using the appropriate electronic system.
• Inventory, order, and verify receipt of dental, laboratory, and office supplies or equipment.
• Maintain equipment by following operating instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining supplies, performing preventive maintenance, and calling for repairs.
• Perform level-specific dental-assisting procedures as authorized by credentials and applicable supervision requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED