Pediatric Dental Assistant
About The Position
Via Care Community Health Center is seeking an experienced and dedicated Dental Assistant to provide clinical, administrative, and staff support to its dental services operation. Under the general supervision of the Dental Director, the Dental Assistant assists with dental and radiography procedures, prepares and maintains equipment and supplies, and supports patient administration, records management, and office activities. The role is full-time, Monday through Friday, at the Via Care Admin Office in Los Angeles, California. The hourly pay range is $24.00–$28.00+, with the rate dependent on experience. The position calls for someone who can follow dental clinical procedures and protocols, support patient evaluation and triage, maintain accurate records, and work effectively as part of a clinical team. Duties also include using and maintaining dental equipment, applying sterilization and radiation safety procedures, and participating in reporting and quality improvement activities. Employment is subject to a criminal background check, annual TB clearance, and compliance with mandated vaccinations and boosters. An excellent driving record and automobile insurance coverage are also required.
Requirements
- Certification as a dental assistant from an accredited program.
- Proficiency in performing advanced dental procedures and using dental equipment.
- Knowledge of dental terminology, procedures, and infection control protocols.
- Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems and dental practice management software.
- Knowledge of dental clinical procedures and protocols, supplies and equipment, ordering and inventory control, planning and scheduling, patient evaluation and triage, records maintenance, sterilization, and radiation safety.
- Ability to set up, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot dental equipment and instrumentation according to applicable procedures and standards.
- Four-handed dental assisting technique.
- Ability to work as a team member and independently, multitask, communicate effectively, interview patients, and make sound decisions under pressure.
- Strong leadership and teamwork skills; excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Commitment to maintaining professional standards and continuing education.
- Bilingual English/Spanish.
- Excellent driving record and automobile insurance coverage.
- Subject to a criminal background check prior to employment.
- TB clearance, renewed annually.
- Compliance with mandated vaccinations and boosters.
- Ability to stand for prolonged periods; occasionally sit and walk; and use hands to operate a standard computer keyboard.
- Ability to keep the hand and arm steady and use above-average fine motor skills and dexterity to handle and grip instruments and make precise finger movements.
- Ability to regularly lift or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds.
- Vision sufficient for close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and adjustment of focus.
Nice To Haves
- Associate degree in dental assisting or a related field preferred.
- Previous dental assisting experience.
- Desire to take on additional responsibilities in a dynamic clinical environment.
Responsibilities
- Provide chair-side assistance to the dentist during dental procedures.
- Prepare, sterilize, and organize dental supplies and equipment according to OSHA and clinic standards.
- Maintain housekeeping records and set up trays for procedures.
- Take radiographs as directed by the dentist, if qualified through completed radiation safety courses.
- Develop and process dental radiographs according to provider orders.
- Assist with monitoring and maintaining radiation safety procedures and protocols.
- Order and maintain inventories of dental clinic supplies.
- Interact with and process dental clinic patients.
- Perform telephone triage and conduct patient interviews.
- Maintain dental laboratory slips.
- Create and maintain dental records according to established protocols and procedures.
- Assist with monthly reporting and quality improvement activities.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the Dental Director.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
