Dental Assistant

Job Title: Dental Assistant (DA)

Location: Kern County, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time/Temp Assignment
Compensation: $21-23 as a Temp

Position Overview

Legacy Staffing is seeking compassionate and skilled Dental Assistants (DA) for one of our healthcare clients. This role supports dentists by providing chairside assistance during restorative and oral surgery procedures while ensuring patients receive high-quality, culturally sensitive care. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, bilingual, patient-focused, and comfortable supporting both clinical and limited administrative functions as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Support

• Greet patients and escort them to the operatory
• Assist dentists chairside during dental and oral surgery procedures
• Prepare materials, instruments, and equipment for treatments
• Take dental X-rays in compliance with radiation safety protocols
• Maintain infection control standards and a sterile clinical environment
• Review health histories and complete chart entries under dentist direction
• Stock operatories and manage clinical supply inventory
• Set up trays and tools based on the daily schedule
• Assist with preventive maintenance of dental equipment

Patient Care & Education

• Provide emotional support and reassurance to patients
• Educate patients on oral hygiene practices including brushing and flossing techniques
• Promote oral and overall health in accordance with clinical protocols
• Communicate respectfully with patients from diverse backgrounds

Expanded Duties (As Delegated & Authorized)

• Obtain endodontic cultures
• Dry canals previously opened by the dentist
• Test pulp vitality
• Place bases and liners on sound dentin
• Remove excess supragingival cement
• Size stainless steel and temporary crowns, bands
• Temporary cementation and removal of crowns and orthodontic bands
• Placement of orthodontic separators, arch wires, and ligatures
• Place post-extraction and periodontal dressings
• Take bite registrations for diagnostic models
• Perform coronal polishing

Administrative Support (As Needed)

• Assist with appointment scheduling, answering phones, ordering supplies, and dental billing
• Serve as a liaison with suppliers and vendors to ensure timely order fulfillment
• Support front office operations when requested by dental leadership

Compliance & Organizational Participation

• Maintain strict HIPAA compliance and confidentiality
• Follow all local, state, and federal healthcare regulations
• Participate in Quality Assurance / Quality Improvement (QA/QI) initiatives
• Learn and utilize the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and Practice Management System
• Participate in patient-centered care models and community outreach events as needed

Qualifications, Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required
• Minimum one (1) year of experience as a Dental Assistant
• Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification preferred
• Proof of completion of a radiation safety course
• Certificates in coronal polishing and sealants required
• Current and valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Knowledge of dental health education topics
• Bilingual English / Spanish preferred

Required Skills & Attributes

• Compassionate, friendly, and patient-centered demeanor
• Ability to multitask and remain calm in fast-paced or high-stress situations
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds
• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including weekends if needed
• Alignment with the mission and values of community-based healthcare