Dental Assistant (DA/RDA)

United Health Centers of the San Joaquin Valley • Parlier, CA

2d

About The Position

We are recruiting Dental Assistants (DA) and Registered Dental Assistants (RDA) to join a health center. Experienced dental assistants and new graduates of Dental Assistant programs are welcome; Registered Dental Assistants receive higher pay. Dental Assistants help provide a positive patient experience and quality care by working closely with dentists and supervisors. They help keep patients calm, prepare dentists for procedures, communicate information clearly, arrange and prepare tools and instruments, assist during treatment, chart findings, change barriers, and sterilize equipment.

The role provides prompt dental support, promotes smooth patient flow, accurately collects and records data, and maintains the order of the back office, equipment, and supplies. Dental Assistants help advance the organization’s mission of providing community health care access and ensuring patients and families receive care when needed. They communicate openly with supervisors and staff, participate in health center in-services and meetings, respect others’ ideas, and follow confidentiality rules. Flexible or extended hours may be necessary.

Requirements

• High school graduate or GED.
• Completion of a Dental Assisting training program from an accredited college.
• X-ray certificate.
• Coronal Polish certificate.
• CPR card.
• Valid driver's license.
• Able to build and maintain rapport with patients and providers from differing backgrounds and work as a team player.
• Customer-service oriented.
• Familiarity with adult learning and general training techniques.
• Positive professional insight, flexibility, and dependability.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and sound judgment.
• Effective leadership and supervisory skills.
• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures, including email.
• Intermediate computer skills.
• Attention to detail and excellent follow-through on work tasks.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and push up to 50 pounds on wheels.
• Ability to hear staff on the phone and people served in person, and to speak clearly to communicate with patients and staff.
• Ability to read memos, computer screens, personnel forms, and clinical and administrative documents.
• High manual dexterity and ability to reach above shoulder level, bend, squat, sit, stand, stoop, crouch, reach, kneel, and twist or turn.

Nice To Haves

• At least 2 years of dental assisting experience is preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide prompt dental support and promote smooth patient flow.
• Collect and record data accurately.
• Maintain the order of the back office, equipment, and supplies.
• Help ensure patients and families receive the care they need when they need it.
• Communicate consistently and openly with the supervisor and all staff.
• Participate in health center in-services and meetings, listening to and respecting others’ ideas.
• Follow confidentiality rules.
• Prepare and arrange tools and instruments for scheduled procedures; hand necessary tools and equipment to dentists and assist during treatment.
• Chart findings, change barriers, and sterilize equipment.
• Work flexible or extended hours when necessary.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with low premium cost for regular-status employees.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• 401(k) plan with matching contribution.
• Educational assistance.
• Employee discounts.

What This Job Offers

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