Dental Assistant

A Dental Assistant provides chairside assistance, conducts infection control, and performs patient education. Responsibilities span direct clinical care and light administrative duties, requiring a balance of technical dental skills and compassionate community-focused service. Core Responsibilities: Chairside Assisting: Anticipate the needs of the dentist during procedures, pass instruments, manage suction, and prepare dental materials. Patient Prep & Comfort: Review medical and dental histories, record vital signs, and help patients feel relaxed. Infection Control: Sterilize and disinfect instruments, prepare treatment rooms according to OSHA protocols, and maintain safety standards. Laboratory Duties: Pour and trim study casts, fabricate custom impression trays, and clean removable appliances. Administrative Support: Assist with patient scheduling, answer phones, and manage appointment check-in/out. Key Qualifications: Certifications: Valid State Dental Assistant (DA) or Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license. Additional Licenses: Often requires a CA X-ray license, Coronal Polishing, and Sealant licenses. Education: High school diploma or equivalent, plus completion of an accredited dental assisting program. Experience: Minimum of 2 years of clinical assisting experience is typically preferred. Languages: Bilingual proficiency (e.g., Spanish, Vietnamese, Farsi, or Mandarin) is highly desirable to serve diverse Certifications: Active CPR certification. Community Focus: Experience or strong interest in public health and serving underserved populations. Physical Demands: Requires extensive standing, walking, bending, and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds. Soft Skills: Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills to effectively teach patients oral hygiene and post-operative care. #J-18808-Ljbffr