Dental Assistant

• Assist patients with minor difficulties, answer questions, and provide directions as authorized by the dentist or hygienist.
• Prepare dental procedures and equipment for patient treatment according to Dental Department protocols and dentist directions.
• Complete digital dental radiographs and take intraoral photographs in compliance with state regulations, laws, and Dental Department protocols.
• Perform independent procedures as delegated by the dentist, such as taking alginate impressions and performing coronal polishing, in accordance with state regulations, laws, and department directives.
• Ensure proper disposal of contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in compliance with Dental Department protocols, clinic policies, and state and federal regulations.
• Maintain compliance with Infection Exposure Control, safety, and HIPAA requirements as outlined by local, state, and federal guidelines, as well as department and clinic policies.
• Perform front office duties as needed, including scheduling and confirming appointments, verifying insurance and eligibility, checking patients in and out, collecting co-pays, and managing patient flow to enhance the patient experience.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Dental Manager, Lead RDA, or Lead Dentist.

• Clean suction lines as per Dental Department policies.
• Maintain dental unit waterlines in compliance with Dental Department policies.
• Stock the operatory as needed.
• Remove sutures after the site inspection by the dentist.
• Apply topical fluoride.
• Place and remove rubber dams or other isolation devices.
• Take alginate preliminary impressions.
• Place, wedge, and remove matrices for restorative procedures.
• Place non-caustic and non-aerosol topical agents (e.g., topical anesthetics).
• Assist in the administration of nitrous oxide for analgesia or sedation (the dental assistant shall not start or adjust the flow of gases).
• Remove post-extraction dressings after surgical site inspection by the supervising dentist.
• Cure restorative materials using a light-curing device.
• Take bite registrations.

• Operate radiographic equipment.
• Perform intraoral and extra-oral photography

• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• An outgoing personality is a MUST.
• Ability to work with people from a wide variety of social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to work creatively with other healthcare professionals from various disciplines to achieve optimal results for the clinic’s patients, within an integrated primary healthcare system.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments and responsibilities to ensure compliance with established deadlines and protocols.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word & Excel, email, electronic record systems, attachments, and online applications.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.

• Prolonged sitting or standing may be required. These physical movements, along with the degree of mobility, manual dexterity, and hand-eye coordination typically associated with dental assisting in both specialty and general practice dentistry, will be performed on a repetitive basis.
• Travel to sites/programs and special functions will be required.
• Working under stressful conditions and irregular hours may be required.

• Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, radiation, and other conditions common to a clinical environment may routinely occur.
• OSHA Blood borne Pathogen Exposure Classification - Category I.
• Utilizes appropriate infection control protocols.
• May be exposed to low-level radiation.
• Will be exposed to outdoor environmental conditions while traveling.

• High school diploma or GED certificate is required.
• Completion of accredited courses in dental assisting is required.
• Radiation Safety Certificate is required.
• Completion of an 8-hour infection control course per California Dental Board guidelines, along with current CPR and First Aid certifications, is required.
• Coronal Polish Certificate will be required as of January 1, 2025.
• Knowledge of oral health education related to children, adolescents, pregnant women, and chronic medical conditions such as HIV, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer is essential.
• Comprehensive knowledge of dental assisting techniques and procedures across all phases of general dentistry.
• Knowledge of modern dental materials, including their storage, handling, and applications.

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums.
• Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays.
• 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD).
• Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more!

JWCH Institute