Registered Dental Assistant

Job Description: Registered Dental Assistant

Reports to: Back Office Supervisor

Status: Regular, Non-Exempt

Position Summary: Under supervision and direction of Dental Director and Staff dentist(s), assists, coordinates, and helps to manage day to day functioning of Dental Department.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assists the dentist
• Performs sterilization and prepares operatories
• Helps to coordinate operation of the dental dept, clinic flow, maintenance of dental equipment and operatories
• Works with and helps the Dental Receptionist
• Inventories and orders (with approval) required materials and supplies
• Cross-trained for front desk functions, and fills in as needed
• Will perform all RDA functions as required and directed by dental director
• If a sealant certificate or any other certificate has been obtained, will be expected to perform those duties as part of routine RDA duties
• Must know and practice OSHA requirements, especially infection control and hazardous and biohazardous waste. Must participate in department safety meetings
• Keeps dental department operatories in accordance with Bloodborne Pathogens Policy
• Assist in overall smooth functioning of the Dental Department
• Understands and follows guidelines of the Policies and Procedures Manual
• Be on time and prepared for the dentist
• Performs all other duties that may be requested by the Dental Director

Required Qualifications, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Education denoting specialized knowledge of dental practices, procedures, and terminology
• Must possess X-ray license, and assist the dentist in accordance to licensure. Must attain coronal polishing certificate and if not an R.D.A., required to work towards attaining licensure
• Experience charting dental information
• At least one-year internship in dental assisting and one year of experience
• Sensitivity to health care needs and culture of American Indians
• Ability to supervise other employees and interface well with co-workers
• Strong customer and results orientation. Ability to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated ability to perform multiple administrative functions simultaneously in an accurate, organized, and efficient manner
• Ability to function independently and as a team member within diverse environments as well as a diverse staff composition
• Carries out all responsibilities in an honest, ethical and professional manner and demonstrates good judgment
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Interest and commitment to the mission of the Indian Health Center. Experience with nonprofit health organizations desirable
• Knowledge of office systems. computer literacy and knowledge of Windows environment and popular software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Publisher, Photoshop)
• Knowledge of and ability to work with the American Indian community and other minority populations
• Possession of a valid California Driver License, automobile insurance, and a clean driving record

Physical Requirements:

• Will be working in a fast paced non-profit community health clinic environment and must be able to:
  • sit, stand and walk for extensive periods of time;
  • lift up to 35 pounds; and
  • stoop, squat, or bend frequently
• Possess the manual and finger dexterity as well as the eye-hand coordination sufficient to accomplish the duties associated with your job description
• Ability to visually observe as well as hear and communicate with patients and professional staff
• Ability to do extensive work on the computer and the telephone in communicating with staff, patients, and vendors

Working Conditions:

• Potential exposure to airborne and blood borne infectious diseases and pathogens
• Normal working hours will be from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm although hours may vary depending upon business need
• Must be able to work independently and meet deadlines while also being an effective leader and collaborating with the agency-wide management team

Preference is given to qualified American Indians in accordance with the American Indian Alaskan Native Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code Sections 472, 473 and 473a). Other than the above, the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley is an equal opportunity employer including minorities, women, disabled and veterans.