Registered Dental Assistant

POSITION: Registered Dental Assistant DEPARTMENT: Dental REPORTS TO: Dental Assistant Supervisor (DAS) LOCATION: Native American Health Center, Inc. (NAHC) 2950 International Blvd. Oakland, CA 94601 WORK HOURS: Full Time, 40 hours per week, 100% FTE STATUS: Non-Exempt, Union POSITION SUMMARY The Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) is a key member of the Native American Health Centers (NAHC) Dental Department who will provide chairside assisting support in a multi-disciplinary setting and will perform RDA functions within their scope of licensure. The RDA will work at both General and Pediatric clinics, and will perform all duties in accordance to the Dental Practice Act, adhere to infection control practices and maintain HIPAA standards. This position will work occasional Saturdays, as needed and directed by operations. The Native American Health Center is an accredited institution and adheres to the standards of excellence set forth by the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and the Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA). DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Assist in the provision of high-quality care within scope of service consistent with accepted standards of care for Registered Dental Assistants. Display optimal customer service by greeting all members in a courteous, professional and timely manner. Exhibit good chairside manners by displaying calm and patient demeanor, have the ability to work well with various populations (e.g. children, elderly, and individuals with mental and physical disabilities). Perform chart preparation practices by reviewing the chart notes for the planned treatment, in order to set up trays and operatory appropriately. Prepare operatory for member reception and ensure operatory is as aseptic as possible for member welfare in adherence to infection control practices. Proficiently and accurately update and enter member health history, medications and complete dental charting in the Electronic Dental Record (EDR) system (Dentrix) in a manner that is complete, accurate and timely. In collaboration with the dentists, provide oral hygiene instructions to members and parents/caregivers. Obtain and record members vitals (i.e., blood pressure [BP], pulse, etc.) as indicated by the treatment being rendered and/or as requested by the assigned dental provider. Capture diagnostic quality radiographs by use of digital technology in a manner that is accurately documented into the members EDR. Prepare instruments, trays, materials and equipment for all dental procedures. Prior to dental treatment, provide pre- and post-operative instructions, review all required forms (e.g. consent, timeout form), ensure completeness and gathering of signatures with guidance from the assigned dental provider. Apply four handed chairside assisting techniques by working closely with the dental provider to optimize visibility, isolation, transfer of instruments and materials to allow for the procedure to be completed in a more efficient and ergonomic manner. This includes following all instructions from the assigned dental provider at chairside. Assist clinical staff in optimizing member flow. This will include keeping work areas well organized, stocked and clean. Seating members, floating and supporting other dental team members with member care. Remove all instruments from operatory in a timely manner and prepare such instruments for sterilization. Perform sterilization and maintenance procedures in accordance with department policy and manufacturers guidelines. Obtain preliminary impressions for diagnostic and opposing study models. Manage prosthetic lab cases by pouring, packaging and recording the outgoing case into the tracking log in a manner that is complete, accurate and timely. Record incoming cases, in tracking log, and store in designated area. Proactively inform the Dental Assistant Supervisor (DAS) of any supplies that need to be replenished, so a consistent level of supplies are always maintained. Proactively communicate and work effectively with dental personnel to best serve members by relaying information regarding member care, as appropriate. (e.g. referrals) Perform coronal polishing, explain plaque control and provide oral hygiene instructions to members, parents and caregivers. Apply topical fluorides and varnishes as directed by the assigned dental provider. Apply pit and fissure sealants as preventative treatment. Fabricate, adjust, cement and remove indirect provisional crowns. Remove excess cement from surfaces of teeth with safe handling of a hand instrument. Oakland only: Will assist Orthodontist with ligature ties removal and replacement, under the guidance of the orthodontist. Member Care: Demonstrate understanding and apply working knowledge of safety policies and ensuring safe patient practices. Employee Safety: Safely performs all duties; follows protective protocols required to ensure personal safety as well as the safety of others. Must maintain compliance with ergonomic safety standards; be mindful of posture and regularly practice ergonomic stretches. Actively participate in internal quality improvement teams and work with members proactively to drive quality improvement initiatives in accordance with the mission and strategic goals of the organization, federal and state laws and regulations, and accreditation standards, when assigned. Provide translation services, as needed, for the department. Participate in outreach and off-site events providing dental treatment off-site (i.e., at mobile and satellite clinics) when requested by direct supervisor. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS A high school diploma or its equivalent is required. Must be a licensed Registered Dental Assistant in the state of California and have one year of work experience as an RDA. Must possess a dental radiation safety certificate and have experience with digital x-ray technology. BLS/CPR certification must be obtained prior to start date and always kept current. Prior experience working with an EDR system is a plus, specifically with Dentrix. Coronal polishing certificate is required. Sealant certification is required. Must be a self-starter, proactive, have high integrity and high attention to detail. Must be able to handle day‑to‑day challenges confidently; be willing and able to adjust to multiple demands, shifting priorities, demonstrate flexibility. Must work well independently and as part of a team. Knowledge of the Bay Area Native American community with a commitment to serving Native Americans and other vulnerable patient populations is a must. Fluency in Spanish, including both writt #J-18808-Ljbffr