Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant

Department/Care Stream: Dental

LIA Reporting Structure:

Timecard Approver: Center Manager

Primary: Director of (Pediatric or Adult) Dental Operations

Secondary: Dental Director

Status: Part-time/On-Call

FLSA: Non-exempt

Locations: SVD, OPK, NHI

Pay Range: $24.90 - 32.37/hr

Organization Information

WellSpace's mission is "achieving regional health through high quality comprehensive care." We believe that everyone deserves to be seen, no matter who you are, where you come from, where you work or what place you call home. At WellSpace, we see you!


We are driven to serve the whole person through comprehensive, integrated care, spanning medical, dental, behavioral health, and supportive services across the region. We do this by building a team of exceptional colleagues who are dedicated to our mission and becoming part of the communities we serve.


As the region's largest Community Health System, WellSpace utilizes a Confluence Model to integrate an internal network of healthcare modalities, including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC), Drug Medi-Cal and Specialty Mental Health programs, California's second largest 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Center, an independent Risk Bearing Organization (WellSpace Nexus), and more into a seamless confluence of care.

To ensure the highest quality of care, WellSpace is accredited by the Joint Commission for Ambulatory Care, Behavioral Health and as a CCBHC. Further, it is certified by the Joint Commission as a Primary Care Medical Home and a Behavioral Health Home. WellSpace's crisis programs are accredited by the American Association of Suicidology and the International Council for Helplines.


Position Summary

Under general direction the individual in this position is responsible for assisting the dentist(s) in the direct provision of primary care dental services to patients. The Dental Assistant is also responsible for assuring that dental operatories are adequately stocked and are ready for patients; for sterilization, preparation and inventory control of dental instruments and supplies and provide diagnostic aids including x-ray and taking and recording medical and dental histories. The assistant may need to travel to other locations within the Sacramento Region.

Required Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of Dental Assistant training program with a Dental Assisting Certificate OR one year of dental assistant experience in a dental office.
• Completion of a 2 hour California Dental Practice Act Course.
• Completion of a board-approved 8 hour course on Infection Control.
• Completion of Basic Life Support course approved by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or any other course approved by the board as equivalent that provides the student the opportunity to engage in hands-on simulated clinical scenarios.
• Must possess a board-approved Radiation Safety Certificate.
• Ability to work courteously and effectively as a team member to support the quality/efficiency standards established for the clinic; work independently; exercise good judgment; spell correctly; communicate effectively orally and in writing; follow oral/written instructions, perform clerical work in a methodical, independent and thorough manner with speed and accuracy.
• Ability to work in four-handed dentistry.
• Proficient in digital charting and digital radiography (QSI preferred).
• Knowledge of dental terminology, and office practices and procedures.
• Must have the physical stamina to function effectively in a position that involves continuous movement.
• Experience in a pediatric setting with medically compromised patients is preferred but not required.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing and demonstrate a high level of listening skills.
• Fluency in additional languages preferred.
• Commitment to HIPAA and ability to abide by standards of professional ethics and maintain confidentiality.
• Adherence to infection control procedures, including but not limited to, standard precautions of temperature monitoring, hand washing, symptom self-monitoring, masking and social distancing.
• Assist and support the Center/Department/Program to meet standards of High Reliability.
• Must be willing to successfully complete the credentialing process.

Essential Responsibilities

• Prepares instruments, materials and medication for use in dental procedures; cleans sterilizes, and maintains an adequate supply of instruments, maintains functioning instruments and equipment, prepares inventory and maintains dental supplies.
• Provides diagnostic aids including x-ray; keeps record of medical and dental histories.
• Maintains all dental clinic areas in compliance with dental clinic directives and protocols; abides to policies and procedures in accordance to infection control, exposure control and safety issues.
• Performs clinical supportive functions, including preparing and dismissing patients.
• Provides post-operative instructions prescribed by the dentist.
• Assists with maintaining patient treatment records and maintaining equipment and instruments.
• Performs lab procedures such as pouring and trimming models.
• Participates in in-service training programs, attends staff meetings and as required.
• Participates in appropriate health promotion/disease prevention activities, both on-site and off-site as required.
• Travels when necessary to meet operational needs.
• Other duties as assigned by Dental Center Supervisor.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The work environment is characteristic of a medical clinic environment. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to handle, or feel. The employee is also required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must also possess hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the phone. The noise level in the work environment is usually noisy.

The employee may be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using substances and/or not attentive to personal health and safety for themselves or their homes. The employee may experience a number of unpleasant sensory demands associated with the client's use of alcohol and drugs, and the lack of personal care. The employee may also be exposed to bodily fluids (blood, urine) and hazardous chemicals.

WellSpace Health is committed to the principals of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is the intent of WellSpace Health to maintain a work environment free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws. WellSpace Health is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WellSpace Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer