Dental Assistant

Under the supervision of the Dentist, the Dental Assistant will provide dental treatment to patients at Marin City Health & Wellness Center (MCHWC). The assistant must communicate well, establish rapport with patients and families, and be sensitive to the needs of the Marin City community and Southern Marin residents. The assistant should be familiar with MCHWC’s goals and services, demonstrate genuine enthusiasm and commitment, and be willing to learn new procedures and terminology consistent with current dental techniques and technology.

The assistant must be knowledgeable and sufficiently skilled in all phases of assistance.

• Be proficient in all phases of 4‑handed dental assisting for prosthodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, preventive, restorative and diagnostic procedures.
• Be familiar with dental terminology, medication and the instruments used during procedures.
• Perform expanded duties to the extent the law permits.
• Clean and sterilize instruments after treatment.
• Help patients feel comfortable before, during and after treatment.
• Teach patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling).
• Maintain the dental supply inventory.
• Maintain a clean and orderly operatory and laboratory.
• Use motivational interviewing and caries risk assessment tools.
• Present treatment plans to patients.
• Assist patients with referrals and follow‑up appointments.
• Perform duties while maintaining a professional attitude and appearance.
• Maintain current licensure through continuing education courses and meetings.
• Perform other duties, projects and assignments as directed.
• Be proficient in taking digital radiographs.
• Coordinate lab cases with different labs; assure timely pickup and delivery of cases; keep the lab area clean and organized; track cases and communicate scheduling needs to the Dental Coordinator.
• Record examination findings in the appropriate Open Dental EHR patient records.
• Maintain and update patient records in the Open Dental/eCW EHR.
• Perform laboratory duties as instructed by the Dentist, including but not limited to pouring models.
• Work with the staff and management team of MCHWC.
• Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job to ensure compliance with all privacy policies, regulations and requirements.
• Provide administrative support to the Dentist.
• Attend all required staff meetings and trainings as directed by MCHWC management team.
• Be punctual, maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Perform other duties as directed, developed or assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalency.
• Graduation from an accredited Dental Assisting School preferred or a minimum of two years of recent RDA experience preferred.
• Valid CA RDA license and RDA certification.
• X‑ray license.
• CPR training current.
• Current CE courses.
• Basic CPR (BCLS) certification.
• Positive attitude, team player, ability to take directions from supervisor.
• Understanding and promotion of the mission, vision and values of the health center.
• Sensitivity to the needs of a multi‑cultural population from a variety of income levels.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to effectively handle dissatisfied patients.
• Experience in a dental office or FQHC setting.

• Excellent organization, writing and verbal skills.
• English proficiency required;
  Spanish proficiency preferred.

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

• Stand and walk or sit alternately; approximately 30% of time on feet, 70% sitting at desk or chairside.
• Occasional need to bend, stoop, squat, climb stairs, push or pull, and reach above shoulders.
• Constant need for writing, typing, grasping, turning, and finger dexterity.
• Lifting/carrying over 20 lbs occasionally; less than 10 lbs frequently.
• Vision requirements: constant need to read small detail, view computer screen, see beyond arm’s reach.
• Hearing requirements: constant need to communicate over telephone and in person.

May be required to travel to and work at other MCHWC locations.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Fax machine, copier, computer, telephone, EHR system, sterilization equipment and other software and instruments as required.