Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
About The Position
Community Health Centers of America (CHCA) is dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality healthcare to underserved communities. Our dental team plays an essential role in supporting the oral health needs of our community, and we foster an inclusive, collaborative environment that values teamwork, professional development, and patient-centered care. Join us to make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. Community Health Centers of America (CHCA) is seeking a dedicated and skilled Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) to join our mission-driven team in a full-time or part-time position in providing comprehensive dental care to underserved communities in the Sacramento area. The RDA will assist dentists in a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties, ensuring efficient patient flow and exceptional care. This position involves performing expanded functions permitted under California's BPC Section 1752.4, including coronal polishing, sealant application, and temporary crown fabrication, in accordance with HRSA guidelines.
Requirements
- Current California RDA license
- Coronal Polishing and Dental Sealants certification
- Completion of California Dental Practice Act and Infection Control training
- Radiation Safety certification or completion of an approved radiation safety course
- Current CPR/BLS certification
- 1 year of experience as an RDA, ideally within a community health or FQHC setting
- Familiarity with eClinicalWorks (eCW) or similar EHR systems
- Strong understanding of dental procedures, instruments, and terminology for effective support in clinical and expanded functions
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to provide culturally sensitive care to a diverse patient population
- Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple clinical tasks efficiently and adapt to changing environments
- Bilingual in English and Spanish, Farsi, Dari, Pashto, or Russian preferred to better serve our diverse patient base.
- Valid California driver's license and proof of auto insurance if travel is required for clinic duties.
- Compliance with California Department of Public Health requirements
Responsibilities
- Provide chairside assistance as needed, setting up instruments, supporting the dentist, and ensuring all infection control and safety protocols are followed.
- Conduct mouth-mirror inspections to chart lesions, restorations, and missing teeth for dentist review.
- Polish coronal surfaces of teeth to remove plaque and stains, preparing them for further treatment.
- Apply pit and fissure sealants to prevent decay, ensuring proper isolation and adherence techniques.
- Fabricate, adjust, cement, and remove temporary crowns, including stainless steel crowns as provisional restorations.
- Apply and activate bleaching agents using non-laser lightcuring devices for cosmetic treatments.
- Use automated caries detection devices to assist the dentist in gathering diagnostic information.
- Capture and process high-quality dental radiographs (x-rays) in accordance with state guidelines, ensuring all images are accurately documented in eClinicalWorks (eCW).
- Place and remove post-extraction and periodontal dressings
- Adjust dentures extra-orally
- Dry endodontic canals using paper points
- Place ligature ties and archwires, and remove orthodontic bands (following additional training if required)
- Prepare patients for treatment by reviewing health histories, explaining procedures, and ensuring patient comfort throughout their visit.
- Educate patients on oral hygiene practices, dietary recommendations, and post-procedure care to support long-term oral health.
- Provide clear and empathetic aftercare instructions, answering any patient questions and ensuring they understand follow-up care.
- Adhere to strict infection control protocols, including sterilizing instruments and disinfection of treatment areas, to prevent cross-contamination.
- Follow OSHA and HRSA standards to ensure a safe environment for both patients and staff, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Accurately document patient records, procedures, and follow-up instructions in eClinicalWorks (eCW), ensuring HIPAA compliance.
- Assist with patient intake and eligibility verification for the sliding fee scale program, ensuring compliance with FQHC standards.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
