Summary
This job is for a dental assistant in a community health clinic in Palm Springs, where you'll help dentists during procedures, take x-rays, prepare tools, and manage patient records and appointments.
It's a good fit for someone who enjoys hands-on patient care, is bilingual in Spanish, and is willing to travel to nearby clinics to support underserved communities.
The role involves working in a team-focused environment that provides affordable health services to vulnerable populations.
Full Job Description
The County of Riverside's Riverside University Health System - Community Health Clinics (CHC) has an opportunity for a Spanish Bilingual Dental Assistant. The position is located in Palm Springs (Employees are required to be available to cover at our sister clinics). Traveling is required.
Under close supervision, provides chairside assistance to dentists and oral surgeons; takes and processes digital x-rays; prepares instruments and patients for examinations and treatment; performs other related duties as required.
The Dental Assistant is a journey level classification and reports to an Assistant Nurse Manager, Healthcare Assistant Administrative Manager, or Dentist. Incumbents work under the technical guidance and supervision of oral surgeons and dentists and provide chairside assistance by preparing instruments and patients for examinations and treatments. The Dental Assistant class is further tasked with reviewing and maintaining patients' records, taking and processing digital x-rays, sterilizing instruments, scheduling appointments, and performing post-operative cleanup.
Other essential duties include assisting with a
ppointment reminder calls and scheduling patients.
Work Schedule: Will be discussed during the interview. Tentative 9/80.Meet the Team! Riverside University Health System provides a wide range of primary and specialty care services across 13 Community Health Centers (CHCs) throughout Riverside County.
As federally qualified health centers, the CHCs operate on a sliding fee scale to ensure that some of the county’s most vulnerable populations receive the care they need.
Whether it’s preventive care, chronic disease management, Express Care, Mobile Health, or integrated specialty and behavioral health services, our teams are made up of dedicated healthcare professionals who are passionate about making a difference.
If you’re committed to delivering compassionate care and eager to join a team that truly values community, connection, and making a meaningful difference, RUHS is the place for you!
Learn more about our Community Health Centers by visiting www.ruhealth.org
Requirements
- Assist dentists and oral surgeons by preparing and arranging dental instruments, equipment, and medication; prepare local anesthetic syringes for the dentist.
- Prepare patients for treatment and examination; clean and sterilize instruments; perform post-operative cleanup.
- Take and process digital dental x-rays.
- Schedule appointments into the Patient Management Information System (PMIS), complete billing documents and data entry in the PMIS, and maintain dental records for all dental patients.
- Mix impression materials; instruct patients in proper practices of dental hygiene.
Qualifications
OPTION I
Education: Possession of a valid certificate of completion from an accredited dental assistant training program.
OPTION II
Experience: One year of providing chairside dental assistance to dentists and/or oral surgeons.
Other Requirements:
- Possession of valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certificates issued by a provider certified by the American Heart Association.
- Possession of a valid certificate of examination for Radiation Safety issued by the California State Board of Dental Examiners.
- Completion of a California Dental Board approved course in the California Dental Practice Act.
- A California Dental Board approved course in infection control.
- Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required.
ALL OPTIONS
Knowledge of: Dental assistant procedures; principles and methods of sterilization; proper care and use of dental instruments, equipment, and materials.
Ability to: Take and process digital dental x-rays; learn basic operating room procedures necessary in oral surgery; comprehend and follow oral and written instructions; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of both a pre-employment physical exam, including a drug/alcohol test, and a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment.)
Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.
Additional Information
This classification's rate of pay will be set in accordance with California Senate Bill 525 requirements for applicable departments.
For further information regarding this posting, contact the recruiter: Anay Sanchez at anasanchez@rivco.org or call 951-955-5893. Due to the high volume of calls, please allow up to 2 business days to receive a response.