Dental Assistant

For more than55 years, Family Health Centers of San Diego's (FHCSD) mission has been to provide caring, affordable, high-quality health care and supportive services to everyone, with a special commitment to uninsured, low-income and medically underserved persons.

FHCSD is one of the top 10 largest federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in the country. We operate more than 90 sites across San Diego County, including 29 primary care clinics, 23 behavioral health facilities, 10 physical rehabilitation clinics, nine dental clinics, five vision clinics, four outpatient substance use treatment programs, three mobile medical units, two mobile counseling centers, two urgent care centers, and a pharmacy.

Our staff provides care to over 227,000 patients each year, of whom 91% are low-income and 29% are uninsured. FHCSD provides care to all. Services include, but are not limited to adult care, chronic disease management, pediatrics, comprehensive women's care including obstetrics, dental, vision, case management, physical rehabilitation, speech therapy for children, vaccinations, infectious diseases, behavioral health, substance use counseling and a host of specialty services including cardiology, podiatry, endocrinology, dermatology, among others. FHCSD also offers supportive services to those who are unsheltered and in need of intensive case management.

The breadth of our clinic locations, services and programs has grown over the last five decades, making us the largest community clinic provider of health care to the uninsured in the county and one of the top 10 largest community clinic organizations in the nation. We are also the largest health care safety-net provider, largest school-based health care provider and the largest mental health provider in the San Diego region.

General Job Description

Under the direction of the Dental Clinic Coordinator or Assistant Director, the Dental Assistant assists team members to maintain an efficient functioning Dental Department. At this level, the dental assistant performs with prompting and guidance from the Dental provider and is actively developing skills and competencies. As a Dental Assistant for Family Health Centers of San Diego, you embrace a spirit of service to provide caring, affordable, high-quality healthcare and supportive services to everyone, with a special commitment to uninsured, low-income, and medically underserved persons. You thrive on the challenge of working in a fast-paced environment with many chronically ill patients, knowing you are making a difference in your community every day. You enjoy partnering with and supporting the dental team to provide excellence in dental services to every patient.

Job Roles

• Accurately charts diagnosis of providers, assisting the front office as needed with charts, recalls, billing, x-rays and filing.
• Assists both the dentist and the hygienist chair-side as needed. Provides accurate translation of communication between patients and providers regarding treatment and information.
• Completes all required documentation accurately, promptly, and thoroughly in accordance with department standards; in addition, documentation complies with patients' insurance requirements.
• Maintains instruments and equipment, sterilization, tray set-ups, and unit stocking-preparations to facilitate efficiency, quality care with patients, and provider satisfaction. Maintains equipment, including x-ray equipment, sterilizers, vacuum systems, dental units, and handpieces. Uses resources efficiently; practices in a cost-effective manner.
• Performs DA duties, including instrument processing and sterilization. Takes x-rays that are of good diagnostic quality, acceptable to providers and 3rd party payers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Certificate of completion from an accredited program for dental assistants or equivalent on-the-job training.
• Current American Heart Association healthcare provider CPR (BLS) certification required.
• Dental X-ray Certificate.
• High school diploma (or GED equivalent).
• California Dental Board Dental Practice Act and Infection Control certifications are required within 1 year of employment.
• Traveling between sites and other locations is occasionally required. Must have a valid California driver's license, an automobile, and proof of minimum levels of car insurance as required under California law, although limits of $100,000 are recommended. An acceptable driving record is also required. California law requires all drivers to obtain a valid California driver's license within ten days of establishing residency. Reasonable accommodation may be provided on a case-by-case basis. Mileage and other reimbursements are governed by policy.

Experience/Specialized skills (including Language)

• 1 year of experience as a dental assistant preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish/English may be required, depending on the assignment.

Rewards:

• Job type: Regular Full Time

• Competitive Salary with Excellent Benefits

• Retirement Plan with Employer Match

• Paid Time Off, Extended Sick Leave, and Paid Holidays

• Medical/Dental/Vision/FSA/Life Insurance

• Employee Discounts and Wellness Programs

We are excited to share that the salary range for this position is:

Information on our extensive benefits package can be found here: FHCSD Wellness - Employee Hub (gobenefits.net)

FHCSD provides Equal Employment Opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.