Dental Assistant

LIFELONG MEDICAL CARE•Berkeley, CA

5d•$23 - $27

About The Position

LifeLong Medical Care is seeking a full-time Dental Assistant to work at Berkeley Dental in Berkeley, California. The Dental Assistant supports the smooth flow of dental procedures and assists dentists in all phases of dentistry, including taking diagnostic intra-oral X-rays and performing coronal polishing as part of prophylaxis. This is a benefit-eligible position represented by SEIU-UHW. Salaries and benefits are set by a collective bargaining agreement, and the employee must remain a member in good standing of SEIU-UHW as defined in the agreement. LifeLong Medical Care is a multi-site Federally Qualified Health Center providing integrated healthcare and social services to a diverse patient community. The Dental Assistant performs basic supportive dental procedures under the general supervision of licensed dentists, supports patients during treatment, follows infection-control requirements, and documents treatment and patient information. The role requires a high school diploma or GED, completion of a certified Dental Assisting Training Program, a valid California Radiology License, and current CPR certification from an AHA-approved organization. One year of relevant dental clinic experience, dental software experience, experience with children, and English/Spanish bilingual ability are preferred.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Completion of a certified Dental Assisting Training Program.
Valid California Radiology License.
Current CPR certification from an AHA-approved organization.
Ability to assist dentists in all phases of dentistry and take diagnostic intra-oral X-rays.
Knowledge of proper use of dental materials and equipment and ability to assist a dentist.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Strong organizational, administrative, and problem-solving skills; flexibility and adaptability to change.
Ability to present information effectively to employees, community partners, and vendors.
Ability to seek direction or approval on essential matters while working independently with little onsite supervision, using professional judgment and diplomacy.
Ability to work in a team-oriented environment with professionals with different work styles and support needs.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and be culturally sensitive.
Professional, confident, and sensitive conduct in external settings that reflects positively on LifeLong Medical Care.
Ability to understand how one’s work intersects with other departments and partner organizations and to make appropriate use of other staff members’ knowledge, expertise, and connections.
Creative, mature, proactive, and improvement-oriented attitude.

Nice To Haves

One year of relevant dental clinic experience.
Experience with a dental software system.
Experience working with children.
Bilingual English/Spanish.

Responsibilities

Assist dentists chairside in all phases of dentistry.
Manage patient behavior during treatment.
Operate dental radiographic equipment; take diagnostic-quality X-rays, develop and mount them correctly as requested by dentists and as often as needed.
Follow infection-control protocols and professional, state, and federal standards, including OSHA sterilization, infection-control, and protective-barrier guidelines.
Use appropriate protective carriers.
Provide patients with oral-hygiene instructions following dental procedures.
Document treatment and patient information in dental software.
Perform other duties as assigned by the clinic manager and dental director.
Perform coronal polishing as part of prophylaxis.