Dental Assistant - Downtown, 4th Avenue (Senior Dental Center)

Position Summary:

The primary function of this position is Sterilization Operator. As needed, will also perform dental assistant functions to support the clinic and patient flow. Provides efficient delivery of patient care and treatment while promoting good dental and oral health. Provides efficient sterilization of all dental instruments for optimum patient and staff safety.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Coordinates the preparation of written documentation including patient records as required by the department, company, state and federal agencies. 
• Coordinates the preparation of reports and written documentation of sterilization cycles, spore test and maintenance. 
• Performs a wide variety of patient care activities and assists chair side in the concept of fourhanded dentistry. Reviews patient records for accuracy and completeness; explains treatment recommended by the dentist in a manner that is understandable and supportive. 
• Performs weekly spore test on all sterilization units. Documents test result and obtain 2 supervision signatures on logbook. 
• Maintains a smooth, constant flow of patients from reception to operatories; coordinates the activities of several operatories through the proper utilization of time, resources, abilities and patient needs. 
• Operates x-ray equipment to make complete and/or selective oral radiographic services. 
• Maintains all hand pieces through proper cleaning and lubrication. Clean all sterilization units on a weekly basis. 
• Arranges instruments in proper order in all cassettes. Orders replacement instruments as needed. Prepares dental equipment, instruments, material and operatories. Performs routine maintenance of equipment and restocks materials. 
• Ensures the established infection control techniques are administered in accordance with department policy to maintain a safe and pleasant environment. Assists all dentist, hygienists and assistants with infection control questions and information. 
• Maintains and submits orders to maintain an adequate inventory of dental materials, forms, clerical supplies and/or equipment. 
• Complies with established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control standards.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintains and submits orders for replacement instruments as needed. 
• Complies with established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control standards. 
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings and workshops. 
• Attends meetings as required and participates on committees as directed. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Supervisory Relationship: 

• Reports directly to Dental Clinic Manger

Job Requirements

Experience Required:

• 1 year of experience in dental assisting and/or dental sterilization.

Education Required:

• Dental Assistant Program. 

Certifications Required:

• Dental Assistant Certification.
• Radiation safety certification.
• CPR certification. 

Verbal and Written Skills Required to Perform the Job:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) required. 
• Good oral and written communication.
• Good public communication and understanding towards patients and co-workers.  

Technical Knowledge and Skills Required to Perform the Job:

• Infection Control protocols, sterilization protocols.
• EPIC knowledge preferred.
• Experience with instrument cassettes preferred.
• Dexis experience a preferred. 

Equipment Used:

• Auto Clave Midmark M11, STATIM 2000, Assistina 301 Plus, Ultrasonic Cleaner, 3M-1256B Stamper, Attest Steam Sterilizer Spore Tester and other dental sterilization equipment. 

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• You will be required to engage in prolonged, extensive, frequent, and repetitive standing, sitting, walking, stooping, twisting, kneeling, reaching, crouching, bending, and position changes to examine and service patients, which may involve getting into awkward positions to access patients' teeth. 
• You must be able to lift up to 30 pounds occasionally.
• Moderate noise levels from dental drills and other lab equipment should be expected.
• Protective gear, including masks, safety glasses, and rubber gloves, is mandatory.
• Working in close quarters and near other people with little space between yourself and others is a necessity.
• Exposure to radiation, mercury, and anesthetic gases is a possibility.
• You may encounter contaminants, diseases, and infections while working with patients.
• Manual dexterity and mobility are crucial, including the ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving, quickly move your hand, grasp and manipulate objects, and demonstrate exceptional hand-eye coordination, control, and finger dexterity to use dental implements for exams, mixing, placing materials on dental tools, products, and in mouths, and assemble very small objects.
• Occasional travel.
• May be required to work evenings and or Saturdays, and attend meetings outside clinic working hours.
• Will on occasion work at schools or WIC sites.
• Will work with blood and blood-borne pathogens and will require OSHA training on a yearly basis.

Universal Requirements:

Pre-employment requirements include I-9, physical, positive background and reference check results, complete application, new hire orientation, pre-employment PPDs. Compliance with all mandated vaccinations and all boosters is a term and condition of employment.

About Us San Ysidro Health is a Federally Qualified Health Care organization committed to providing high quality, compassionate, accessible and affordable healthcare services for the entire family. The organization was founded by seven women in search of medical services for their families and community. Almost 50 years later, San Ysidro Health now provides innovative care to over 108,000 patients through a vast and integrated network of 47 program sites across the county. San Ysidro Health could not serve our patients without the dedication of our passionate and hardworking employees. Apply today and become a part of our mission-driven team! San Ysidro Health has a long-standing commitment to equal employment opportunity for all applicants for employment.  Employment decisions including, but not limited to, those such as employee selection, performance evaluation, administration of benefits, working conditions, employee programs, transfers, position changes, training, disciplinary action, compensation, and separations are made without regard to race, color, religion (including religious dress and grooming), creed, national origin, nationality, citizenship status, domestic partnership status, ancestry, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, civil union status, family status, age, mental or physical disability (including AIDS or HIV-related status), atypical heredity cellular or blood trait of an individual, genetic information or refusal to submit to a genetic test or make available the results of a genetic test, military status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.