Dental Assistant - Senior Dental Center (Downtown)

Join San Ysidro Health, a Federally Qualified Health Care organization dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate, and accessible healthcare. We are seeking a Dental Assistant to support our clinic by ensuring the sterilization of dental instruments and assisting with patient care as needed.  

Position Overview:  
The role includes assisting dentists and hygienists in chairside procedures, ensuring efficient patient flow, and supporting administrative tasks within the clinic.  

Key Responsibilities:  

Sterilization & Infection Control:  
Perform sterilization of dental instruments to maintain a safe environment for patients and staff  
Conduct weekly spore testing on all sterilization units and document results  
Maintain and clean all sterilization units, handpieces, and dental equipment  
Follow all infection control protocols and assist staff with related questions  
Ensure compliance with OSHA and infection control standards  

Dental Assisting & Patient Support:  
Assist the dentist in a four-handed dentistry setup  
Take dental radiographs (X-rays) as needed  
Set up and break down treatment rooms before and after procedures  
Educate patients on treatment recommendations and oral hygiene strategies  
Maintain accurate and organized patient records  
Support a smooth patient flow from reception to operatory  

Administrative & Equipment Maintenance:  
Prepare required documentation, including sterilization cycles and maintenance logs  
Order and maintain an inventory of dental materials, instruments, and supplies  
Participate in departmental meetings and training to enhance professional growth  
Occasionally assist at schools or WIC sites for community outreach programs  

Qualifications & Requirements:  

Experience:  
Minimum 1 year of experience in dental assisting and/or sterilization  

Education & Certifications:  
Completion of an accredited Dental Assistant Program  
Dental Assistant Certification required  
Radiation Safety Certification & CPR Certification required  

Skills & Knowledge:  
Knowledge of dental terminology, sterilization techniques, and infection control  
Experience with EPIC, Dexis, and instrument cassettes preferred  
Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus  

Work Conditions & Physical Requirements:  
Frequent standing, bending, and lifting up to 30 lbs  
Exposure to dental equipment noise, radiation, and sterilization chemicals
Must wear protective gear (masks, gloves, safety glasses)  
Occasional evening or weekend shifts and travel to outreach locations  

Compensation & Benefits:  
Hourly Pay: $22.10 - $30.59  
401(k) with matching  
Health, dental, and vision insurance  
Paid time off  
Ongoing training and professional development