Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) - Bilingual
Job Description
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Apply sealants to teeth as directed by the dentist.
- Perform coronal polishing as instructed.
- Place bases, liners, and bonding agents.
- Prepare teeth for bonding chemically.
- Place, adjust, and finish direct provisional restorations.
- Adjust dentures outside of the mouth.
- Remove excess cement from tooth surfaces using hand instruments.
- Conduct mouth mirror inspections of the oral cavity, charting lesions, existing restorations, and missing teeth.
- Organize and prepare trays, setting up and laying out instruments for dental procedures.
- Prepare patients and manage instruments and materials for procedures.
- Obtain and monitor patients’ vital signs.
- Gather and record patients’ medical histories for the dentist’s reference.
- Collect and document patients’ dental histories.
- Ensure health histories are updated and entered into the eCW system.
- Expose and process digital or traditional radiographs.
- Adhere to radiation safety protocols during radiographic procedures.
- Take impressions for dental casts.
- Use suction and swabs to maintain a clear and dry environment during procedures.
- Apply topical anesthetics as needed.
- Remove stitches.
- Create temporary crowns/restorations as directed by the dentist.
- Advise patients on dental care.
- Ensure patients feel comfortable throughout their treatment.
- Clean up after procedures, disposing of waste appropriately, and disinfecting the area for the next patient.
- Sterilize dental instruments and equipment.
- Maintain an inventory of dental instruments, equipment, and supplies in the operatory.
- Organize supplies and equipment to minimize loss and maximize efficiency.
- Report equipment malfunctions to supervisors and coordinate repairs as necessary.
- Schedule appointments, maintain records, manage billing, answer phones, and perform other office duties.
- Conduct regular audits to ensure no expired materials are present in patient care areas.
- Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.
- Provide patient education and treatment planning information as directed.
- Assess emergency situations and respond appropriately following protocols.
- Foster positive relationships with community agencies and other departments.
- Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with staff, volunteers, and the public, aligning with T.H.E.’s mission.
- Promote the delivery of quality patient care.
- Perform four-handed dentistry techniques.
- Collaborate with staff dentists and the dental director to develop and implement preventive dental initiatives for the community.
- Understand patient scheduling procedures.
- Plan work duties to enhance clinic efficiency.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Essential Skills and Experiences:
- Deliver strong customer service to staff and the community.
- Demonstrate excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Track details and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Exhibit outstanding interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written).
- Have a basic understanding of financial and budgeting processes.
- Ensure accuracy in tracking details and handling tasks.
- Complete work on time with quality results while managing interruptions effectively.
Education and Qualifications:
- Must hold a current Registered Dental Assistant license from the State of California.
- High school diploma or GED required (2 years of college preferred).
- Current CPR certification.
- Radiation (X-ray) certificate.
- Coronal polishing credentials.
- Sealant placement credentials.
- Completion of an approved radiation safety course.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Valid California driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle.
- Flexible and mature individual capable of decision-making and problem-solving.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with all levels of management.
- Advanced computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and email. Experience with electronic health records preferred.
- Ability to work with diverse cultural, educational, social, and economic backgrounds.
- Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
Company Description:
T.H.E. Health and Wellness Centers is a nonprofit community clinic in South Los Angeles. For over 50 years, we have provided high-quality, low-cost healthcare and preventive education for all.
