Hybrid Dental Assistant / Registered Dental Assistant bei San Francisco Community Health Center

Job Title: Registered Dental Assistant, Dental Clinic

About Us:  

San Francisco Community Health Center is a federally qualified health center that provides culturally competent high quality medical care, mental health services, education, and outreach. We are a safety-net for the LGBTQ community, the unsheltered community, people who use substances, and those with mental health needs. We are an anchor-organization for San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood, and we also lead regional, statewide, and national programming. We believe that everyone deserves access to the highest quality care served with dignity and respect! 

About You:  

• You focus and center your work around giving a high level of service. 
• You are empathetic responding to any situation with compassion and curiosity.
• You are driven by your own internal integrity as well as that of the agency.
• You have a justice and equity mind-set. 
• You feel that everyone deserves dignity and respect. 
• You consistently pay attention to details. 
• You collaborate well in a diverse and cross-functional workplace.
  

Program Summary:
At San Francisco Community Health Center, we believe oral health is attainable by all, regardless of race, color, sexuality, gender, or economic status. We focus on whole patient wellness, education and quality affordable dental care. We understand many of our patients have a long history of substance abuse and dental neglect or trauma and feel a certain amount of shame about the state of their oral health. We work from a place of patience and compassion to help patients attain oral health goals and make every effort to treat them like family.

Role Summary: 

The Dental Assistant / Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) at San Francisco Community Health Center plays an integral role in supporting the delivery of comprehensive dental care. The DA works closely with the dental team to ensure that high-quality, accessible dental services are provided to all patients. This position reports to the Dental Health Manager, who in turn reports to the Dental Director. The RDA must understand and perform duties in accordance with the California Dental Practice Act to ensure compliance with state regulations and maintain the highest standards of patient care.  

Key Responsibilities:
--Patient Care 

• Welcome patients and accurately log their arrival in the electronic system. 
• Prepare and ensure exam rooms are stocked and ready for patient use. 
• Obtain and record vital signs and detailed medical and dental histories. 
• Provide a comfortable and supportive environment for patients before, during, and after treatment. 
• Facilitate effective communication between patients and the dental care team. 
• Assist the dentist during various procedures, including taking dental x-rays. 
• Maintain a clean, sterilized, and well-functioning inventory of dental instruments and equipment. 
• Prepare necessary instruments, materials, and medication for dental procedures. 
• Educate patients on proper oral hygiene and plaque control techniques. 
• Provide patients with detailed post-treatment care instructions. 
• Relay prescription details to pharmacies as directed by the dentist. 
• Document treatment information accurately in the Electronic Dental Records system. 
• Manage the inventory of dental, lab, and office supplies, and verify their receipt. 
• Ensure equipment functionality through routine maintenance and prompt service requests. 
• Complete other tasks as assigned by the supervisor. 

--Commitment to Quality 

• Exhibit dedication to delivering excellent patient care and achieving optimal outcomes. 
• Collaborate effectively with providers and dental care team members to enhance patient experiences and outcomes. 
• Contribute to a positive clinic atmosphere and maintain a healthy work environment through proactive communication and sound judgment. 
• Participate in daily huddles, team meetings, other SFCHC meetings, and professional development activities.
• Uphold SFCHC’s ethical and professional standards, including adherence to policies and procedures.
  

Minimum Qualifications:  

• High School Diploma or equivalent. 
• Valid and current RDA license.
• Coronal Polishing Certification and Dental Sealants Certification. 
• Completion of California Dental Practice Act & Infection Control Training. 
• X-Ray (Radiation Safety) certification or completion of an approved radiation safety course per California Dental Board standards. Original X-ray certificate must be presented prior to starting employment
• Fundamental understanding of dental assisting practices, equipment, and terminology. 
• Proficiency in using modern computer applications and electronic health record systems (knowledge of Dentrix/Dexis preferred). 
• Knowledge of techniques for cleaning and sterilizing dental equipment and treatment areas. 
• Familiarity with the needs of the LGBTQ community and knowledge of associated specialized care. 
• Awareness of HIV/AIDS, STIs, substance use, mental health, social services, and disparities faced by communities of color. 
• Ability to perform tasks related to four-handed dentistry and continuous movement. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Proficiency and fluency in Spanish is a plus. 
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a team, supporting clinic standards. Comfortable working with diverse populations with various backgrounds and experiences. 
• Capable of performing clerical tasks independently and with accuracy. Ability to exercise good judgment and perform calculations as needed. 
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification. 
• Must obtain TB clearance (within the past 12 months) and complete background check upon hire.
• Current with vaccinations including latest Covid-19 vaccine (received September 2024 or after), and seasonal flu, and able to provide proof. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience working in an FQHC or other type of Community Health Center. 
• Knowledge of Dentrix/Dexis practice management system

Benefits:  

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance
• Company sponsored life, and long-term disability insurance
• Generous paid time off including paid holidays
• Company-sponsored retirement plan
• Opportunities for professional growth and development

EEOC Statement:
San Francisco Community Health Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. San Francisco Community Health Center does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, disability status, gender identity, HIV status, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.