Registered Dental Assistant

Job Summary:

The Registered Dental Assistant's (RDA) primary job function is to work as part of a team to provide high quality, efficient and service oriented patient care while demonstrating the health center's core values. The RDA is responsible for performing basic supportive chair-side procedures under the direction of the Staff Dentists, maintaining the operatories in a safe and workable condition, properly cleaning all dental instruments, and assistance with providing oral health education to patients and caregivers. The registered dental assistant is charged with providing positive, supportive and caring behavior in all communications to patients and families. The RDA is responsible for mentoring and supporting Dental Assistants in the essential functions associated with Direct Patient Care and Back Office Duties.

Direct Patient Care:

• Assesses the reason for visit by reviewing the patient's treatment plan and/or questioning the patient or the patient's caretaker about the chief complaint.
• Performs patient care functions as directed by staff dentist such as: extra-oral duties, placing and removing rubber dams, applying topical fluoride, and assisting with prophylaxis, fillings, matrices, pulpotomies, pulpectomies, apexification, space maintainers, suture removal and extractions.
• Takes high quality and clinically appropriate digital radiographs.
• Takes impressions for diagnostic and opposing models.
• Performs mirror inspections of the oral cavity for obvious lesions, existing restorations, and missing teeth.

Back Office Duties:

• Sets up trays for procedures.
• Properly cleans all dental instruments and maintains operatories in a safe and workable condition; orders and restocks supplies following department protocols.
• Maintains equipment in safe and workable condition. Notifies the Clinic Manager/Dental Director of equipment needing repairs and/or replacement parts.
• Sterilizes all instruments according to infection control regulations. Lubricates and oils hand-pieces before and after sterilization.
• Ensures compliance with infection control procedures as mandated by the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Patient Relations:

• Provides positive, supportive and caring behavior in all communications to patients, caregivers, and coworkers.
• Conducts in-reach activities to identify the needs of dental patients and when appropriate, coordinates warm hand-offs to other health center departments.
• Accurately and appropriately interprets English/Spanish communications between the staff dentist and patient and caretaker as appropriate.

Documentation Duties:

• Performs hard and soft tissue charting under the supervision of the staff dentist.
• Performs chart reviews under the supervision of the staff dentist.
• Initiates charting of the treatment plan according to departmental procedure under the supervision of the staff dentist.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• Work collaboratively with people of all ages, social, and ethnic backgrounds
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects/tasks and meet deadlines
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent oral and written communication; basic math skills
• Proficient in using computer and office equipment
• Ability to convey a sense of confidence and trust to all patients
• Ability to relate well to other health professionals and support staff
• Ability to carry out administrative and patient support services
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality

Additional Requirements:

• Able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
• Able to work at various health center locations and outreach sites

Minimum Position Qualifications:

• Education: High School diploma or equivalent education required
• Experience / Training: Two years' experience working in a pediatric dental office or community clinic and Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• License / Certification: Certification from an accredited dental assisting program; current California license for Registered Dental Assistant; current radiology license and evidence of satisfactory completion of board-approved course in coronal polishing; current BLS certification and sealant certification