Dental Assistant
About The Position
The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in all aspects of dentistry, working under general supervision and reporting to the Office Manager. The role supports four-handed dentistry and patient care, helps maintain dental operatories and equipment, performs selected clinical and administrative tasks, and contributes preventive oral-health knowledge to patients. The position is based at CMC Waterloo in Stockton, California, in a clinic office environment with frequent contact with staff and the public; work may be stressful and may involve interacting with upset people. Weeknight and weekend work may be required.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Two years of dental assistant experience or completion of a Dental Assistant Program.
- Certification by the State of California to take dental X-rays.
- Current basic life support certification.
- Ability to relate to low-income community residents.
- Knowledge of dental assistant principles and practices, dental X-ray procedures, instrument sterilization, preventive oral-health concepts, basic office management, and dental equipment and instruments.
- Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions for establishing a safe work environment.
- Skills in assisting with four-handed dentistry; maintaining records and recording examination and X-ray results; developing and maintaining clinic quality assurance; and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, dental staff, and the public.
- Ability to maintain quality control standards, react calmly and effectively in emergencies, interpret and apply guidelines and procedures, and communicate clearly.
- Manual dexterity to operate a keyboard, type at 25 words per minute, and use a calculator, telephone, copier, and other necessary office equipment.
- Vision correctable to 20/40 and hearing within the normal range for telephone contacts.
Responsibilities
- Assist the dentist in all phases of four-handed dentistry.
- Perform mouth-mirror inspections of the oral cavity, including charting obvious lesions, existing restorations, and missing teeth.
- Take impressions for diagnostic and opposing models.
- Place and remove rubber dams.
- Keep operatories and equipment clean and organized.
- Set up tables and trays with necessary items and instruments.
- Sterilize instruments using autoclave and cold sterilization methods.
- Maintain inventory of dental supplies.
- Assist the dentist and hygienist in providing patients with preventive oral-health information.
- Perform basic administrative office procedures.
- Record oral examinations as directed by the dentist.
- Pour and trim models for diagnostic studies.
- Expose, process, and mount radiographs.
- Help present post-operative instructions.
- Assist in the delivery of local anesthetic.
- Translate for the dentist as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Work weeknights and weekends if required.
Benefits
- Competitive pay.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefit options for full-time employees.
- Flexible spending account for medical expenses.
- Dependent care benefits.
- Employee assistance program.
- Life insurance.
- Pet insurance.
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
- 403(b) retirement savings plan with company match.
- 10 paid sick days and 12 holidays; vacation days vary by position.
- Discounted gym membership through In Shape.
- Growth and advancement opportunities.
- Collaborative and diverse work environment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
