Traveling Dental Assistant

Position Summary The Dental Assistant performs a variety of dental assisting duties while promoting a safe and clean environment for providing quality dental care. Duties include assisting the doctor, communicating effectively with patients (or parents if the patient is a child), maintaining equipment and inventory, cleaning, sterilizing, and packaging instruments, and following standard universal precautions, OSHA and HIPAA requirements, and dental board auxiliaries’ regulations. Key Responsibilities Open and close the back office as instructed. Prepare trays and operatories for various procedures; ensure that operatories are stocked and cleaned at all times. Greet, seat, and notify patients; verify Health Questionnaire and Informed Consent signatures. Assist the doctor during various procedures and rotate with doctors as requested in accordance with State and Federal regulations. Document patient care activities accurately/completely in the chart as directed. Explain treatment plans to patients as needed. Escort patients to front office area for dismissal and inform receptionist of upcoming visits. Disinfect general back office areas, including operatory; apply disposable barriers where needed. Clean, sterilize, and package dental instruments; turn off all equipment nightly. Ensure handpieces are properly cleaned and oiled. Follow up with lab; maintain log on partials and remakes; prepare lab cases. Review Hazard Communication book and sign training log; ensure hazardous products are properly labeled. Follow waste disposal procedures for sharps and contaminated material/chemicals. Comply with infection‑control standards, including wearing protective barriers such as gloves, scrubs, and eye wear. Attend staff meetings and team huddles. Perform other duties as assigned by Office Manager, Regional Manager, or dentists. Other Duties and Requirements Check next day appointment schedule for all lab cases and verify readiness; reschedule if necessary. Work as part of a team and follow all policies and procedures. Qualifications Minimum one year of recent experience as a Dental Assistant (preferred). Current X‑ray license required. Certificate from accredited Dental Assisting School preferred. Bilingual: English & Spanish required (English only may be considered if location does not require bilingual). CPR and First‑Aid certification preferred. Infection Control Certificate required. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work with people of all ages (e.g., children). Strong interpersonal and relationship skills. Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment; multitask, manage interruptions, and maintain a friendly attitude. Ability to work with minimal supervision and be organized. Technological Skills Autoclave/Chemiclave Ultrasonic cleaning equipment Intra‑oral camera O₂ and N₂O gas systems Handpieces Digital X‑ray system and conventional X‑ray machine Work Schedule The Dental Assistant will be notified of the work schedule on a weekly, bi‑weekly, or monthly basis. The schedule is subject to change; evening and weekend hours may be required. This position is paid on an hourly basis. Physical Demands Employees regularly stand, sit, walk, talk, hear, smell, and use hands, fingers, and wrists; they lift and move up to 25 lbs; and perform repetitive motions such as reaching, bending, kneeling, crawling, twisting, and crouching. Exposure to chemicals, infectious materials, non‑ionizing radiation, X‑ray radiation, noise (85 dB), and personal protective equipment constraints are constant. Work Conditions and Risk General dental office conditions; exposure to toxic chemicals, radiation, infectious bodily fluids, and elevated noise levels. This position carries a high‑risk classification. Independent Action Under general supervision of the Office Manager, the Dental Assistant may exercise independent judgment in patient care, policy, or operational matters. Should a dentist request functions outside the Dental Practice Act, the assistant must immediately report to the Floor Supervisor, Office Manager, Managing Doctor, or Regional Manager. Dental assistants are prohibited from diagnosing patients. Limitations and Disclaimer This job description is a summary of general duties and is not a complete list. Modifications may be made to accommodate disabled individuals. Requirements may exclude employees who pose a direct threat or significant risk. Additional duties may be performed in compliance with State and Federal laws. Employment is at‑will. #J-18808-Ljbffr West Coast Dental Services