Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant

JWCH Institute, Inc. is a non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with a mission to provide comprehensive health care to low-income and homeless people in the County of Los Angeles.

For many people, gaining access to dental care isn't simply a matter of finding the nearest dentist. Some may face language and cultural issues that keep them from connecting with dental providers. Others may lack insurance coverage, transportation or childcare that would make it easier for them to visit the dentist. JWCH works to assist patients with navigating barriers and helping them achieve better oral health and improved overall health outcomes.

Position Purpose:

This position is responsible for assisting dentists in the direct provision of primary dental care services to patients at the clinic. Additionally, the Dental Assistant is responsible for sterilizing, preparing, and maintaining inventory control of dental instruments and supplies, as well as ensuring proper infection control in all patient care areas.

Principal Responsibilities:

1. Serve as the dentist's chair-side assistant, utilizing four-handed dentistry techniques.
2. Assist patients with minor difficulties, answer questions, and provide directions as authorized by the dentist or hygienist.
3. Prepare dental procedures and equipment for patient treatment according to Dental Department protocols and dentist directions.
4. Complete digital dental radiographs and take intraoral photographs in compliance with state regulations, laws, and Dental Department protocols.
5. Perform independent procedures as delegated by the dentist, such as taking alginate impressions and performing coronal polishing, in accordance with state regulations, laws, and department directives.
6. Ensure proper disposal of contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in compliance with Dental Department protocols, clinic policies, and state and federal regulations.
7. Maintain compliance with Infection Exposure Control, safety, and HIPAA requirements as outlined by local, state, and federal guidelines, as well as department and clinic policies.
8. Perform front office duties as needed, including scheduling and confirming appointments, verifying insurance and eligibility, checking patients in and out, collecting co-pays, and managing patient flow to enhance the patient experience.
9. Adhere to all organizational safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements to ensure a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
10. Participate in required safety and compliance trainings and apply learned practices in daily work activities.
11. Identify, report, and help mitigate unsafe conditions, incidents, or hazards in the workplace.
12. Use equipment, tools, and supplies safely and responsibly in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.
13. Maintain awareness of infection control, occupational health, and emergency preparedness procedures appropriate to the role.
14. Complete other duties as assigned by the Dental Manager, Lead RDA, or Lead Dentist.
15. Participate in JWCH's customer service training called AIDET on an annual basis.
• Demonstrate an understanding of AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, and Thank You) to apply in patient encounters or team discussions.
• Utilize the AIDET communication framework to communicate with patients and team members in a manner that reduces patient anxiety, increases patient compliance, and improves clinical outcomes.

Chairside Duties (Under Direct Supervision):

1. Maintain operatory logs.
2. Clean suction lines as per Dental Department policies.
3. Maintain dental unit waterlines in compliance with Dental Department policies.
4. Stock the operatory as needed.
5. Remove sutures after the site inspection by the dentist.
6. Apply topical fluoride.
7. Place and remove rubber dams or other isolation devices.
8. Take alginate preliminary impressions.
9. Place, wedge, and remove matrices for restorative procedures.
10. Place non-caustic and non-aerosol topical agents (e.g., topical anesthetics).
11. Assist in the administration of nitrous oxide for analgesia or sedation (the dental assistant shall not start or adjust the flow of gases).
12. Remove post-extraction dressings after surgical site inspection by the supervising dentist.
13. Cure restorative materials using a light-curing device.
14. Take bite registrations.

Chairside Duties (Under General Supervision):

1. Apply topical fluoride in school-based settings or government public health programs.
2. Operate radiographic equipment.
3. Perform intraoral and extra-oral photography.

Skills and Abilities:

Effective written and oral communication skills in English is required. Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred. Ability to work with people from a wide variety of social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. Ability to work creatively with other healthcare professionals from various disciplines to achieve optimal results for the clinic's patients, within an integrated primary healthcare system. Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments and responsibilities to ensure compliance with established deadlines and protocols. Proficiency in Microsoft Word & Excel, email, electronic record systems, attachments, and online applications. Strong interpersonal and customer service skills are required.

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged sitting or standing may be required. These physical movements, along with the degree of mobility, manual dexterity, and hand-eye coordination typically associated with dental assisting in both specialty and general practice dentistry, will be performed on a repetitive basis. Travel to sites/programs and special functions will be required. Working under stressful conditions and irregular hours may be required.

Environmental Conditions Critical to Performance:

Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, radiation, and other conditions common to a clinical environment may routinely occur. OSHA Blood borne Pathogen Exposure Classification - Category I. Utilizes appropriate infection control protocols. May be exposed to low-level radiation. Will be exposed to outdoor environmental conditions while traveling.

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED certificate is required. Completion of accredited courses in dental assisting is required. Radiation Safety Certificate is required. Completion of an 8-hour infection control course per California Dental Board guidelines, along with current CPR and First Aid certifications, is required. Coronal Polish Certificate will be required as of January 1, 2025. Knowledge of oral health education related to children, adolescents, pregnant women, and chronic medical conditions such as HIV, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer is essential. Comprehensive knowledge of dental assisting techniques and procedures across all phases of general dentistry. Knowledge of modern dental materials, including their storage, handling, and applications.

*All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Employee Benefits:

At JWCH Institute, Inc., we believe in taking care of those who take care of others. If you work 30+ hours per week, you'll enjoy competitive pay and a robust benefits package that includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums.
• Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays.
• 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD).
• Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more!

Become part of a team where your work matters. Apply today and help us change lives, one patient at a time.

JWCH Institute, Inc + Wesley Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer.