Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant/Registered Dental Assistant

Job Details

Level: Experienced |

Location:

Redding, CA 96002 | Position Type:
Full Time | Salary Range: $22.00 - $28.00 Hourly | Shift: Day | Category:
Health Care

Department:
Dental

Reports To:

Dental Back Office Manager

Hours:

Monday–Friday 7:30am to 4:30pm (after 90 days reviewed for 4/10 shift)
Locations:
Redding and Round Mountain

Under general supervision of a qualified dentist and clinic manager in an ambulatory care setting, the Dental Assistant provides assistance on all procedures authorized by the Dental Practice Act at the Round Mountain and/or Redding locations.

• Switch on compressor/water system and X‑ray units in each room.
• Set up procedure trays for all a.m. patients.
• Flush water lines in operatories.
• Prepare treatment room for each patient (instruments, barriers, records, X‑rays on view box if applicable).
• Greet, seat, bib, and prepare patient for treatment.
• Review and update patient health history.
• Verify pre‑medication is taken, if indicated.
• Check informed consent for updated information/signature.
• Take blood pressure on patients 18 and older.
• Develop a working knowledge of each patient’s record and where information is located.
• Take X‑rays as indicated by Dentist.
• Chart entry for exams (missing teeth, restorations, etc).
• Assist dentist chairside, passing and receiving instruments, oral evacuation, retraction, and preparation materials; be prepared to assist in emergencies.
• Take alginate impressions.
• Sterilize instruments in accordance with OSHA guidelines; set up trays; put away instruments; sterilize exam rooms according to OSHA guidelines.
• Perform weekly spore testing of sterilization equipment.
• Call prescriptions to pharmacy as directed; prepare filling of prescriptions for sliding scale patients according to protocol.
• Assist in keeping lab clean.
• Change cold sterilization solution and ultrasonic solution according to guidelines.
• Coordinate patients and procedures, keeping flow steady.
• Perform coronal polish and prophylaxis of children, if directed by DDS.
• Update supply order list; keep operatories stocked.
• Wipe counters, equipment, containers in sterilization room daily.
• Maintain dental equipment—lubricate hand pieces daily; clean and maintain autoclave and station as specified by the preventative maintenance schedule.
• Attend weekly staff meetings.
• Maintain current license through completion of required continuing education courses.

This job does not have supervisory responsibilities.

• Adhere to Policies and Procedures.
• Participate in team systems.
• Perform duties ethically.
• Maintain client confidentiality.
• Demonstrate ability to re‑prioritize duties as needs arise.
• Use time efficiently.
• Be responsible for internal/external client satisfaction.
• Display flexibility in accepting, changing, and carrying out assignments.
• Maintain a neat, clean, and safe work environment throughout the facility.
• Communicate with team members effectively and professionally.
• Perform job duties in a quality manner.

Education/

Experience:

Current licensure as a Registered Dental Assistant in the State of California; good working knowledge of dental surgery, terminology, and techniques; ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with regulations.

Certificates and Licenses: Current CPR certification and X‑ray license; RDA license if applicable.

Language Ability: Intermediate level; ability to read and interpret documents, write routine reports and correspondence, and speak effectively before individuals, groups, or employees.

Math Ability: Basic math skills—add, subtract, multiply, divide, compute rates, ratios, and percentages.

Reasoning Ability: Intermediate level; apply common sense to carry out written, oral, or diagram instructions; handle problems with several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer

Skills:

Knowledge of Windows operating systems and Microsoft Word; familiarity with Centricity practice management software is a plus.

Equipment

Skills:

Working knowledge of all standard dental equipment, including sterilization equipment.

The work environment is an indoor business and dental office setting. Noise is moderate, with dental equipment and office sounds. Employees may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, chemicals, radiation from X‑rays, electrical shock, and vibration.

Regular use of hands to finger, handle, or feel; frequent standing, sitting, and reaching with hands and arms; occasional walking and smelling. Regular lifting or moving of up to 10 pounds. Requires close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.