Dental Assistant (DA/RDA)

Description

Essential Job Functions

• Ensure all patients enjoy a positive experience, and are treated with care and compassion expected
• Ensure all patient records and related documents are managed and maintained timely, accurately, and consistent with all HIPAA and standards and best practices
• Ensure all tasks provided and associated with patient care, patient administrative processes, and related duties comply with all regulatory and accreditation standards, as well as clinic policies and procedures
• Develop favorable relationships with all patients. Instruct patients and their family members on general oral health care and/or information related to post-treatment care as appropriate
• Establish favorable working relationships with all staff members associated with clinic operations, including dental receptionist, dental hygienists, dentists and related staff
• Restock dental operatory supplies 
• Ensure patient health histories (dental and medical) are accurately documented according to standards and best practices for the dentist’s reference prior to examination
• Create an environment where the patient feels comfortable before, during and after dental treatment
• Take clinically diagnostic quality x-rays at the direction of the dentist and in alignment with standing orders, standards, and best practices
• Assist dentist chair-side by organizing and preparing instruments for dentist’s use and assist as needed during procedures
• Assist Dentists in proper documentation in patient medical records during exams and procedures
• Advise patients in oral hygiene and dental care
• Cleans and sterilizes instruments in accordance with infection control procedures, standards and best practices
• Uses proper PPE at all times
• Maintains a clean and organized sterilization and instrument storage area
• Maintains an inventory of supplies/instruments and assists in ordering as needed
• Set up and break down dental operatory per standards and best practices
• Backup the other staff positions, provide relief and support to other staff functions and perform office duties as requested

Requirements

Essential Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of dental procedures and ability to perform expected duties to the expectation of the dental provider being assisted
• Demonstrated success with clear thinking and ability to reorganize as needed
• Demonstrated success in working independently, prioritization and problem solving
• Excellent computer skills; Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
• Demonstrated success in customer service/patient services or working with the general public, preferably in a medical or dental care facility
• Demonstrated success in managing difficult customer situations
• Demonstrated success and experience with direct patient services and the proper knowledge and use of dental care devices and equipment

Education and Experience

Dental Assistant 

• High School Diploma or equivalent 
• Completion of CA Dental Practice act course
• Completion of an 8 Hour Infection control course
• Current BLS certified
• X-Ray (Radiation safety) certification or successful completion of a radiation safety course that satisfies the requirements outlined by the Dental Board of California.
• Completion of a formal Dental Assisting program preferred

Registered Dental Assistant 

• All requirements for Dental Assistant in addition to the following:
• Must have a current / valid RDA license
• Coronal Polishing Certification
• Dental Sealants Certification

Additional Requirements

• Must have a current and valid California driver’s license and the ability to provide proof of personal auto insurance on the vehicle driven during working hours.
• If selected for an employment opportunity with Elica Health Centers, external hires must provide proof of immunizations  (Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella & Tetanus), tuberculosis clearance, and proof of COVID-19 vaccination status* prior to their scheduled start date. Please be advised that this position is subject to criminal background investigation and drug screen. 

*Elica Health Centers is a healthcare facility that adheres to the mandates issued by the California Department of Public Health including the recent orders regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered. 

Physical Requirements

The work environment is characteristic of a dental 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 quiet.

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.

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

Our Benefits

• Medical: Two options with Kaiser or Western Health Advantage
• HRA Plan: Company funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help pay for out-of-pocket costs related to medical coverage
• FSA Plans: Elica offers 2 options for Flexible Spending Accounts - Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA
• Dental: Kansas City Life DPPO
• Vision: VSP Choice Network
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance – Company paid
• Supplemental Life and AD&D options
• Sick time, Vacation and Paid Holidays.
• 403B retirement savings account with up to 4% employer matching contribution and 100% immediate vesting.
• Employee Assistance Plan with five (5) free counseling visits, financial services, legal services, and a plethora of online resources.
• Tuition Reimbursement program and CME/CEU program.