Dental Assistant Job at JWCH Institute in Lynwood

JWCH Institute, Inc. is a non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with a mission to provide comprehensive health care to low-income and homeless people in the County of Los Angeles.

For many people, gaining access to dental care isn’t simply a matter of finding the nearest dentist. Some may face language and cultural issues that keep them from connecting with dental providers. Others may lack insurance coverage, transportation or childcare that would make it easier for them to visit the dentist. JWCH works to assist patients with navigating barriers and helping them achieve better oral health and improved overall health outcomes.

Position Purpose:

This position is responsible for assisting dentists in the direct provision of primary dental care services to patients at the clinic. Additionally, the Dental Assistant is responsible for sterilizing, preparing, and maintaining inventory control of dental instruments and supplies, as well as ensuring proper infection control in all patient care areas.

Principal Responsibilities:

1. Serve as the dentist’s chair-side assistant, utilizing four-handed dentistry techniques.
2. Assist patients with minor difficulties, answer questions, and provide directions as authorized by the dentist or hygienist.
3. Prepare dental procedures and equipment for patient treatment according to Dental Department protocols and dentist directions.
4. Complete digital dental radiographs and take intraoral photographs in compliance with state regulations, laws, and Dental Department protocols.
5. Perform independent procedures as delegated by the dentist, such as taking alginate impressions and performing coronal polishing, in accordance with state regulations, laws, and department directives.
6. Ensure proper disposal of contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in compliance with Dental Department protocols, clinic policies, and state and federal regulations.
7. Maintain compliance with Infection Exposure Control, safety, and HIPAA requirements as outlined by local, state, and federal guidelines, as well as department and clinic policies.
8. Perform front office duties as needed, including scheduling and confirming appointments, verifying insurance and eligibility, checking patients in and out, collecting co-pays, and managing patient flow to enhance the patient experience.
9. Complete other duties as assigned by the Dental Manager, Lead RDA, or Lead Dentist.

Chairside Duties (Under Direct Supervision):

1. Maintain operatory logs.
2. Clean suction lines as per Dental Department policies.
3. Maintain dental unit waterlines in compliance with Dental Department policies.
4. Stock the operatory as needed.
5. Remove sutures after the site inspection by the dentist.
6. Apply topical fluoride.
7. Place and remove rubber dams or other isolation devices.
8. Take alginate preliminary impressions.
9. Place, wedge, and remove matrices for restorative procedures.
10. Place non-caustic and non-aerosol topical agents (e.g., topical anesthetics).
11. Assist in the administration of nitrous oxide for analgesia or sedation (the dental assistant shall not start or adjust the flow of gases).
12. Remove post-extraction dressings after surgical site inspection by the supervising dentist.
13. Cure restorative materials using a light-curing device.
14. Take bite registrations.

Chairside Duties (Under General Supervision):

1. Apply topical fluoride in school-based settings or government public health programs.
2. Operate radiographic equipment.
3. Perform intraoral and extra-oral photography.

Education and Experience:

1. High school diploma or GED certificate is required.
2. Completion of accredited courses in dental assisting is required.
3. Radiation Safety Certificate is required.
4. Completion of an 8-hour infection control course per California Dental Board guidelines, along with current CPR and First Aid certifications, is required.
5. Coronal Polish Certificate will be required as of January 1, 2025.
6. Knowledge of oral health education related to children, adolescents, pregnant women, and chronic medical conditions such as HIV, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer is essential.
7. Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.
8. Effective written and oral communication skills, along with computer literacy, are required.
9. Ability to work with individuals from diverse social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds is essential.