Registered Dental Assistant - Per-Diem - Sign-on-Bonus!

At the San Diego American Indian Health Center, our mission is to deliver exceptional healthcare that honors customs and traditions. We aim to reduce significant health disparities within San Diego's urban American Indian community by enhancing access to care and improving its quality, ultimately leading to increased life expectancy and a better quality of life.

Our Vision

We are a community health center committed to upholding the core values of American Indian cultures, including respect for our patients and a holistic approach to health. We welcome individuals from all tribes, ethnic backgrounds, and walks of life to experience our comprehensive services for children, youth, families, adults, and elders.

Summary

We are seeking a Per-Diem Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) to assist dentists during examinations and treatments as needed, including Saturdays.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Primary Functions:

- Prepare dental patients, sterilize instruments, set up trays, and perform four-handed dentistry during procedures.

- Take and record medical and dental histories, as well as vital signs.

- Capture and monitor digital dental x-rays as directed by the dentist.

- Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations.

- Pour, trim, and polish study casts; fabricate custom bleaching trays; clean and polish removable appliances.

- Assist in managing medical and dental emergencies.

- Instruct patients on oral hygiene and plaque control.

- Provide and explain post-operative care instructions as prescribed by the dentist.

- Chart and record treatment information in the patient Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.

- Apply fluoride varnish as directed.

- Manage inventory and order supplies for the back office.

- Maintain dental equipment and coordinate repairs when necessary.

- Apply sealants, fabricate provisional crowns, perform coronal polishing, and fulfill other auxiliary duties approved by the Dental Board of California.

- Coordinate lab cases with outside labs.

- Attend monthly staff meetings and mandatory training sessions, or complete them later if necessary.

- Maintain all licensure requirements and continuing education units (CEUs).

- Communicate effectively with dentists and dental assistants to ensure efficient patient care.

- Perform other duties as assigned by the dental director or dentist.

Salary: $24.00 - $26.00

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

- 6 months to 1 year of experience.

- California RDA License.

- Completion of an accredited Dental Assistant Technical School.

- Current certificates in Coronal Polishing and Pit/Fissure Sealant.

- Valid X-Ray certification.

Preferred:

- Experience serving a diverse population.

- Familiarity with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC).

- Knowledge of community health or Indian health clinics.

- Experience with ECW EHR.

Special Conditions of Employment:

- CPR certification in good standing.

- Clean driving record and insurance as required by the state.

- Reliable transportation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Strong oral and written communication skills.

- Excellent time management and organizational abilities.

- Attention to detail and confidentiality.

- Effective interpersonal skills for diverse interactions.

- Ability to perform basic math calculations.

- Bilingual in Spanish/English is a plus.

- Reliability and trustworthiness.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or related programs, with a willingness to learn new software.

Physical and Mental Requirements

The physical demands of this role include:

- Lifting/moving up to 10 pounds and moving around the office.

- Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer.

- Standing, bending, and reaching as needed.

- Ability to prioritize and manage workload effectively under stress.

- Ability to follow instructions and multitask.

Customer Service

- Actively supports and promotes the Mission, Vision, and core values of SDAIHC.

- Delivers excellent internal and external customer service.

- Embodies SDAIHC’s standards of behavior: compassion, attitude, communication, appearance, ownership, and teamwork.

- Engages in ongoing customer service training.

- Strives to position SDAIHC as a top service organization.

Quality Management

- Contributes to quality improvement initiatives.

- Complies with SDAIHC policies and procedures.

- Participates in continuous quality improvement processes as directed.

Safety

- Ensures compliance with safe work practices and policies.

- Participates in infection prevention measures.

- Reports any unsafe working conditions immediately.

Privacy/Compliance

- Maintains privacy and security of patient and employee information.

- Complies with regulations regarding corporate integrity and security.

- Upholds high ethical standards.

Flexibility

- Available for all shifts, including evenings and weekends as needed

Disclaimer

This job description does not restrict management's rights to assign or reassign duties as necessary. It reflects management's assignment of essential functions but does not limit tasks that may be assigned. This description is subject to change at any time.

Preference is given to qualified American Indian/Alaskan Natives in accordance with the American Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code Section 472, 473, and 473a). The San Diego American Indian Health Center is an equal opportunity employer.

Acknowledgement

San Diego American Indian Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds regardless of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class.