Registered and Non Registered Dental Assistant

SUMMARY: Open Door Community Health Centers (ODCHC) provides quality dental services to a wide range of patients from the community. The Dental Assistant is an integrated and essential part of the treatment experience, helping patients feel welcome and comfortable, gathering important historical and current health information, and providing chair side assistance within their scope of practice. Will provide training and encourage advancement. Spanish or Hmong speaking a plus; prior dental office experience preferred but we can train you if you have no experience and start you on a new career path.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential responsibilities are conducted within the context of collaboration and coordination among patients, colleagues and dental practitioners. All efforts ultimately should improve access to quality dental care.

• Gather identifying information, historical health care information, past dental experiences and document in the electronic health record system;
• Prepare patients for examinations and procedures and assist dental practitioners as needed, based on training and scope of practice to include cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns, extractions, dentures and coronal polishing;
• Take X-rays as trained;
• Provide patients with instruction on oral hygiene;
• Coordinate with reception, registered dental assistants and dental practitioners to assure efficient and accurate processing of needed information, treatment plans and time-in-chair activities;
• Contribute positively to the efficiency, accessibility, productivity, quality, safety, compassion and professionalism of the work setting;
• Adhere to ODCHC’s policies and procedures; and,
• Other duties and responsibilities as identified and assigned by the Lead Registered Dental Assistant, Dental Practitioner and Dental Site Administrator.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS: The successful candidate will demonstrate an attitude and commitment to create positive and effective patient experiences, facilitating patient care and working efficiently and collaboratively patients and members of the health care team. Other qualifications and expectations include:

• Desire and ability to work as a member of the dental care team; facilitating the efficient and accurate flow of information among patients and team members;
• Experience in a dental health care setting preferred;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, written and verbal; ability to communicate effectively and exercise sound and responsible judgment; ability to ask for assistance as appropriate;
• Ability to document and chart patient and procedure information accurately and in a timely manner;
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, tolerate interruptions and shift focus quickly;
• Ability to use computers and learn ODCHC software applications;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and objectivity;
• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college and/or work experience preferred; and,
• Have a valid and insurable California drivers’ license and reliable transportation to travel within the ODCHC service area as necessary.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: The Dental Assistant has no supervisory responsibilities.

SUPERVISION AND SUPPORT: The Dental Assistant is supervised by the Lead Registered Dental Assistant and the Dental Site Administrator.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This is largely an office-based position; however, travel among ODCHC sites may occur from time to time. The physical requirements described are representative of those needed to successfully perform the essential duties of the position. Reasonable accommodation will be made to allow otherwise qualified candidates to perform these functions.

• Speaking and hearing sufficient to communicate effectively by telephone, video or in-person at normal volumes;
• Vision adequate to read documents, computer screens, forms and designs and to differentiate colors as necessary;
• Ability to use standard office and computer equipment;
• Ability to lift and carry packages and boxes weighing up to 25 pounds;
• Ability to travel locally by car;
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time;
• Ability to use keyboard and view computer screens for extended periods of time; and,
• Ability to move around clinics as needed.