Dental Assistant

A Dental Assistant provides chairside assistance, conducts infection control, and performs patient education. Responsibilities span direct clinical care and light administrative duties, requiring a balance of technical dental skills and compassionate community-focused service.

• Chairside Assisting:
  Anticipate the needs of the dentist during procedures, pass instruments, manage suction, and prepare dental materials.
• Patient Prep & Comfort:
  Review medical and dental histories, record vital signs, and help patients feel relaxed.
• Infection Control:
  Sterilize and disinfect instruments, prepare treatment rooms according to OSHA protocols, and maintain safety standards.
• Laboratory Duties:
  Pour and trim study casts, fabricate custom impression trays, and clean removable appliances.
• Administrative Support:
  Assist with patient scheduling, answer phones, and manage appointment check-in/out.

• Certifications:
  
  Valid State Dental Assistant (DA) or Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license.
• Additional Licenses:
  Often requires a CA X-ray license, Coronal Polishing, and Sealant licenses.
• Education:
  
  High school diploma or equivalent, plus completion of an accredited dental assisting program.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of 2 years of clinical assisting experience is typically preferred.
• Languages:
  
  Bilingual proficiency (e.g., Spanish, Vietnamese, Farsi, or Mandarin) is highly desirable to serve diverse
• Certifications:
  
  Active CPR certification. Community Focus:
  Experience or strong interest in public health and serving underserved populations.
• Physical Demands:
  Requires extensive standing, walking, bending, and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Soft Skills:
  
  Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills to effectively teach patients oral hygiene and post-operative care.