DENTAL ASSISTANT

Job title : Dental Assistant

Reports to : Director of Clinical Operations

Status : Full-Time

Location / s : Mira Mesa 10737 Camino Ruiz Suite 235, San Diego, CA 92126

The Organization

Operation Samahan (OpSam Health) is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that serves the San Diego County community. Founded in 1973 in a barber shop in Downtown San Diego by Filipino health professionals offering services to immigrants who did not have the finances, linguistic skills, or ability to navigate the health care system. Today, Operation Samahan has evolved into a diverse community health center with services available in National City, Mira Mesa, City Heights, and Rancho Penasquitos. We provide primary care, dental, behavioral health, family planning, integrative health and wellness, healthy eating, civic engagement, and other health-related services to the uninsured, underinsured, and underserved families of all income levels, regardless of their ability to pay.

JOB PURPOSE

Prepare the patient for the determined treatment and assist the dentist in performing treatments. Prepare materials and equipment for treatment and have them ready for the dentist's use. Take x-rays and assist the dentist in laboratory work. The Dental Assistant is also responsible for sterilizing, preparing, and controlling the inventory of dental instruments and supplies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Administration :

• Assist patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering their questions, and giving directions to patients as authorized by the dentist.
• Serves as dentist's chair-side assistant.
• Prepares operatory for patient treatment as per Dental Department protocols and the dentist's directions.
• Takes digital dental radiographs in accordance with state regulations and law as well as Dental Department directives and protocol.
• Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by the dentist in accordance with state regulation and law and the Dental Department directive and protocol.
• Process, pull, and file patient charts as required.
• Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business, and patient care of the Dental Department.
• Assists with various clinical and administrative functions of the center as appropriate and as time permits.
• Insures the sterility of all reusable dental instruments and equipment in accordance with Dental Department directives and protocol.
• Insures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with Dental Department directive, center policy as well as state and federal regulation(s).
• Performs all functions in full compliance with the center's and the Dental Department Exposure Control Plan including but not limited to the use of Personal Protective Equipment and Universal Precautions.
• Participates in appropriate health promotion / disease prevention activities, both on-site and off-site as required.
• Responsible for personal compliance in full with all applicable federal, state, local, and center rules, regulations, protocols, and procedures including but not limited to the participation of a Dental Assistant in the provision of clinical dental care, as well as those relating to, but not limited to personnel issues, workplace safety, public health and confidentiality.

Maintenance :

Quality Management :

Customer Relations :

Safety :

HIPAA / Compliance :

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Required Education and Certifications :

Other Requirements :

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

SALARY RANGE

$21.00 - $30.00 per hour based on experience and registration status