Dental Assistant / Registered Dental Assistant - Spanish Speaking Preferred (Open and Promotional)

Dental Assistant / Registered Dental Assistant - Spanish Speaking Preferred (Open and Promotional)

Salary

See Position Description

Location

San Mateo, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

F039W

Department

San Mateo Medical Center

Opening Date

07/27/2026

Closing Date

8/10/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

01A

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Are you a dedicated and motivated Dental Assistant who enjoys being part of a team of professionals who provide exceptional dental care to the community and patients in need? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, challenging environment where the rewards are many? If so, then the San Mateo Medical Center (SMMC) Dental Clinics have an exciting career opportunity for you!

The San Mateo Medical Center operates five dental clinics located in San Mateo, Redwood City, Daly City, and Half Moon Bay, along with a Mobile Dental Clinic. These clinics provide dental care for children and adults, including homeless and transitional populations. Pregnant women on Medi-Cal and patients with an HIV diagnosis also receive dental services at these clinics, with coverage available through the Ryan White grant.

All Clinics are open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM and some Saturdays and evenings. The Fair Oaks Health Center hosts UCSF dental students, while both the Fair Oaks Health Center and the Mobile Dental Clinic host UOP dental students to aid in patient care.

The Dental Assistant Series levels include:

Dental Assistant ($29.55 - $36.92 Hourly) is the experienced level class in the Dental Assistant series, competent to independently perform the full range of journey-level dental assisting work under the supervision of a dentist. This class is flexibly staffed with the Registered Dental Assistant, and incumbents may advance to the higher level after obtaining required certification and demonstrating the required proficiency for the higher level.

Registered Dental Assistant ($34.92 - $43.66 Hourly) is the advanced journey-level classification in the series. Under the supervision of a dentist, incumbents at this level perform dental assisting duties which are limited to a person certified as a Registered Dental Assistant in addition to performing Dental Assistant duties of the lower level.

We are seeking Dental Assistants and Registered Dental Assistants who are motivated and demonstrate the willingness to learn and adapt to new situations. All Dental Assistants and Registered Dental Assistants rotate and should be available to work at any of our dental clinics. Transportation to each work site is the employees responsibility. The current vacancies are six, Full-Time, Regular positions and three Part-Time, Extra-Help positions. Spanish speaking is preferred, but not required.

The ideal candidate will be a skilled and compassionate professional with a strong commitment to providing high-quality dental care to underserved communities. This includes children, adults, individuals experiencing homelessness, and patients with complex medical needs. Ideal candidates will also have:

• A valid California Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license.
• Proficiency in chairside assisting, digital X-rays, mixing dental materials, and maintaining a sterile environment. Registered Dental Assistants should also be proficient in performing expanded functions within their scope of practice, including coronal polishing, sealant application, fluoride varnish application, and other duties permitted under the California Dental Practice Act.
• Experience using Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems, with a strong preference for EPIC.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while remaining composed when handling patient emergencies or high patient volumes.
• Capability to conduct oral inspections and provide preventive services, including coronal polishing and topical fluoride application.
• Ability to provide chairside assistance in all phases of clinical dentistry, including oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, and other specialized procedures.
• Experience in testing pulp health, fabricating temporary fillings and crowns, and re-cementing dislodged temporary restorations.
• Competency in assisting with the administration of Nitrous sedation.
• Fluency in Spanish (reading, writing, and speaking) is highly desirable.

This role requires a dedicated professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about improving oral health outcomes for diverse and vulnerable populations.

NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepare patients for examination, treatment or surgery; arrange dental instruments, equipment and accessories on trays; set up medical and dental charts and X-rays.
• Take, develop and mount dental X-rays; maintain cleanliness of the X-ray room.
• Maintain dental/medical records of patient examinations and treatments, dental charts and medical histories; complete insurance forms; schedule return appointments for patients; schedule patients per provider request.
• Maintain office, operatories and equipment in sanitary and orderly condition; clean, oil, and prepare dental equipment for sterilization.
• Mix dental medicaments.
• Follow prescribed procedures in response to patient emergencies during treatment such as gagging, vomiting, convulsions, etc.; clean patients air passages, remove obstacles from mouth and support head.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Additional duties for Registered Dental Assistant, include, but not limited to:

• Conduct mouth inspections and provide preventative services, including, pit and fissure sealant application, coronal polishing, and topical fluoride application.
• Provide chairside assistance to dental providers in all procedures of clinical dentistry, including. oral surgery, pediatrics, and other procedures as permitted by the California Dental Board for Registered Dental Assistant.
• Under direct supervision, perform pulp vitality testing; and record findings. - Fabricate and cement temporary crowns and place temporary fillings-Under direct supervision, assist in the administration of nitrous oxide sedation (i.e. adjust the flow of gas as directed).

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Preparation of patients for examination.
• Methods of use, care and sterilization of instruments and equipment.
• Dental hygiene instruction and prophylaxis or coronal polish (for RDA level)
• Dental X-ray techniques and safety procedures.
• Dental terminology.
• Office procedures and record keeping.

Skill/Ability to:

• Take, develop and evaluate dental X-rays.
• Work tactfully with patients and other personnel under stressful conditions.
• Respond appropriately to patient emergencies during treatment or surgery.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

• Completion of a course of instruction for dental assistants.

Licensure/Certification:

• Possession of a Certificate of examination for radiation safety from the California Board of Dental Examiners.
• Possession of a Certificate of completion for a course in Basic Life Support as approved by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
• To qualify for the Registered Dental Assistant Level, possession of a valid California License as Registered Dental Assistant issued by the California Board of Dental Examiners.

Application/Examination

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

The examination will consist of an interview (weight: 100%) which may include the evaluation of a written or performance exercise given immediately preceding the interview. The interview may be comprised of a combined Civil Service and departmental panel process. Depending on the number of applications, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations, or a screening committee may select those applicants whose education and/or experience appear to best meet the needs of the position based solely on the information provided in the application materials. Because of this screening process, all applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the Countys website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the Countys website, please go to http://jobs.smcgov.org to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight (unless otherwise stated) on the final filing date.

Tentative Recruitment Schedule

Final Filing Date: Monday, August 10, 2026 T 11:59 PM PST

Application Screening Date: Week of August 10, 2026

Civil Service Panel Interview: Week of August 24, 2026

About the County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

Analyst: Debbie Kong (07272026) (Dental Assistant/Registered Dental Assistant - F039/F063)

We invite you to explore our Benefits-at-a-Glance page for a snapshot of the comprehensive and competitive benefits available to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. From health and wellness to financial security, our benefits are designed to support you at every stage of your career. (Please note that benefits are subject to change.)

In addition to core benefits, the County is proud to offer a variety of wellness and professional development programs to help you grow both personally and professionally. Most of these enriching opportunities are available during work hours and come at no cost to you.

As a County employee, you'll also be covered by the federal Social Security system, earning valuable retirement benefits based on your salary and years of service.

01

IMPORTANT: Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the following supplemental questions. Your responses will give us additional information about your background and experience related to this position and will be used in the selection process. Be concise and specific. Neatness, clarity of expression, grammar, spelling and ability to follow instructions will be considered in the evaluation process. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses to these questions.

• I have read and understand these instructions.

02

Some positions require the ability to speak, read and write in both Spanish and English. Are you fluent in both languages? (A "no" response will not disqualify you from this process.)

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a Certificate of Examination for Radiation Safety from the California Board of Dental Examiners? A copy of a Certificate of Examination for Radiation Safety from the California Board of Dental Examiners must be submitted with the application. (A "No" answer will disqualify you from this recruitment.)

• Yes
• No

04

Possession of a Certificate of completion for a course in Basic Life Support as approved by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association is required. Do you meet this requirement? A copy of a valid certificate of Basic Life Support as approved by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association must be submitted with the application. (A "No" answer will disqualify you from this recruitment.)

• Yes
• No

05

Do you possess a Registered Dental Assistant license? (A "No" answer will disqualify you from this recruitment.)

• Yes
• No

06

If you answered, "YES" to number 5, what is the Registered Dental Assistant License number and expiration date?

07

Our dental clinics are open Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. We also offer evening clinic. Indicate the locations, days and shifts you are available to work. (Check as many as apply)

• Monday
• Tuesday
• Wednesday
• Thursday
• Friday
• Saturday
• Day Shift
• Evening Shift

08

This position requires that you work with diverse patient populations. Indicate which patient populations you would like to work with. (Check as many as apply)

• Pediatrics (1-17 years)
• Adults
• Pregnant women
• HIV/AIDS diagnosed patients
• Inmates from Correctional Health

09

Describe a challenging patient/client you have had that demonstrates your ability to use initiative and creativity in calming the person down. Why was it challenging? What was the outcome?

10

How do you manage staying organized while assisting the dentist, preparing instruments, and ensuring patient comfort all at once?

11

Extra-help positions offer temporary employment for 1040 hours which is equivalent to about six months, however, employment might end sooner depending on the needs of the hiring departments. Some extra help positions are eligible for benefits under the Affordable Care Act. Extra-help workers are not guaranteed permanent status at the end of the extra-help assignment. Are you interested in extra-help employment? A "No answer to this question will not affect your application for permanent employment.

• Yes
• No

12

How did you learn about this position?

• County of San Mateo Website
• County of San Mateo Job Interest Card Notification
• County Hosted Virtual Event
• County Hosted Job Fair
• CalOpps.org
• College/University Career Center
• Community-based Organization Posting
• Facebook/Instagram
• Friend or Relative
• GovernmentJobs.com
• Indeed
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Professional Publication/Website (Please specify in next question)
• X (formerly called Twitter)
• Zip Recruiter
• Other (Please specify in next question)

13

If you answered, "Professional Publication/Website" or "Other" to the above question, please indicate below how you learned about this position. Your response to this question will help us in better marketing County jobs. Type NA if not applicable.

Required Question

Employer County of San Mateo

Address County of San Mateo Human Resources Department

500 County Center, 4th Floor

Redwood City, California, 94063-1663

Phone (650) 363-4343

Website https://jobs.smcgov.org