We are an FQHC community health center dedicated to embodying the values central to American Indian cultures. This includes respect for our patients, acknowledgement of the whole person, and a focus on working together to ensure health for the individual, and therefore the community. We invite persons of all tribes, ethnic backgrounds and walks of life to experience the comprehensive care we deliver and to contribute to the services we provide for children, youth, families, adults, and elders.
The Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered dental care within a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). The RDA provides chairside assistance to dentists during clinical procedures, ensures adherence to sterilization and infection control protocols, and contributes to the efficient daily operations of the dental clinic. This role requires professionalism, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with a diverse patient population, including underserved and vulnerable communities.
The RDA upholds the mission of the health center by promoting positive patient experience, supporting health equity, and maintaining compliance with HRSA, OSHA, HIPAA, and state dental board regulations.

PATIENT EDUCATION:

1. Provide patients with instructions for post-procedure care, answer their questions, and address any concerns.
2. Educate patients on good oral hygiene practices and preventative care measures.
3. Present treatment plans to patients when necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Completion of an accredited Dental Assisting program.
2. Active California Registered Dental Assistant license in good standing.
3. Current Coronal Polishing and Pit/Fissure Sealant Certificate.
4. Valid X-Ray certificate.

EXPERIENCE:

1. Six months to one year experience.
2. Experience with dental software and radiographic procedures.
3. Experience handling dental equipment (sterilizers, NOMAD, etc.)

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

1. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with patients and team members.
2. Excellent attention to detail and the ability to anticipate dentist needs.
3. Knowledge of infection control procedures, safety protocols, and dental terminology.
4. Ability to maintain a calm and positive demeanor, even in high-stress situations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
2. Excellent time management skills
3. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
4. Ability to maintain confidentiality and meticulous records.
5. Effective interpersonal skills.
6. Able to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals.
7. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships all during the course of work.
8. Able to perform basic mathematical calculations necessary to perform the job function.
9. Bilingual in Spanish/English a plus
10. Must be reliable and extremely trustworthy.
11. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Suite or related programs. Ability to learn other accounting software systems.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodation.
1. Able to lift/move up to 20 pounds, move from place to place.
2. Able to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods.
3. Ability to do math, organize and prioritize workload, work effectively and efficiently under stress.
4. Ability to supervise, multitask, understand, and follow instructions.
5. Ability to proficiently read, write, speak, and understand English.

PRIVACY/COMPLIANCE:

1. Maintains privacy and security of all patients, employee, and volunteer information and access to such information. Such information is accessed on a need-to-know basis for business purposes only.
2. Complies with all regulations regarding corporate integrity and security obligations. Reports on unethical, fraudulent, or unlawful behavior or activity.
3. Upholds strict ethical standards.
   Disclaimer
   Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job 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). In other than the above, 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 all individuals 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, political affiliation, or belief.
   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). In other than the above, the San Diego American Indian Health Center, is an equal opportunity employer.
   San Diego American Indian Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from all individuals 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, political affiliation, or belief