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. The Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) is also responsible for the sterilization, preparation, and inventory control of dental instruments and supplies, as well as ensuring proper infection control in all patient care areas. RDAs are vital members of the JWCH Dental Department and must contribute to fostering a team atmosphere, whether at their assigned clinic or when filling in at other sites. RDAs are expected to use AIDET as an internal and external customer service tool with both patients and JWCH staff. The JWCH Dental Department includes multiple clinics, and all team members are expected to collaborate in a positive and professional manner to deliver patient-centered care. All JWCH Dental staff must have a passion for community-based dental care.
Principal Responsibilities:
Serves as the dentist's chair-side assistant using four-handed dentistry.Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering their questions, and providing directions as authorized by the dentist or hygienist.Prepares treatment procedures for patient care according to Dental Department protocols and the dentist's instructions.Completes digital dental radiographs and takes intraoral pictures in accordance with state regulations, laws, and Dental Department protocols.Performs independent procedures as delegated by the dentist, such as taking alginate impressions, fabricating temporary crowns, applying dental sealants, and performing coronal polishing in accordance with state regulations, laws, and Department protocols.Maintains all Dental Department equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions and Dental Department policies and protocols.Ensures adequate operation of supplies and compiles a list of shortages for inventory control and ordering purposes.Maintains a daily list of all scheduled assigned dentist's patients, monitors patient flow, and assists the dentist(s) in ensuring that all patient records and documents are properly and accurately completed and filed.Receives and places necessary telephone calls related to professional matters, clinical business, and patient care for the Dental Department.Ensures the sterility of all reusable dental instruments and equipment in accordance with Dental Department directives and protocols.Ensures the proper disposal of contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with Dental Department directives, clinic policies, and state and federal regulations.Participates in appropriate health promotion and disease prevention activities, both on-site and off-site as required.Maintains compliance with Infection Exposure Control, safety, and HIPAA guidelines as required by local, state, and federal regulations, Dental Department directives and protocols, and clinic policies.May be required to perform front office duties such as scheduling and confirming appointments, verifying insurance/other patient eligibility, checking patients in and out, collecting co-pays and balances due, and managing patient flow to reduce cycle time and enhance the patient experience.Performs other duties as assigned by the Lead Dental Assistant and Dental Manager, including preparation and participation in oral health screenings, scrubbing charts for eligible screenings, developing collaborative relationships with Medical Assistants and Medical Providers, and creating and emailing eligibility templates to the Medical and Dental teams as needed.Chairside Duties Under General Supervision:
Apply topical fluoride when operating in a school-based setting or public health program.Operate radiographic equipment.Perform intraoral/extraoral photography.Additional RDA Chairside Duties Under Direct or General Supervision of Dentist:
Perform coronal polishing.Apply topical fluoride.Apply sealants (CA Board-approved course required).Chart obvious lesions, existing restorations, and missing teeth.Fabricate, adjust, cement, and remove indirect provisional restorations, including stainless steel crowns when used as provisional restorations.Test pulp vitality and record findings.Place, adjust, and finish direct provisional restorations.Remove excess cement from tooth surfaces with a hand instrument.Place post-extraction dressings after inspection of the surgical site by the supervising licensed dentist.Obtain intraoral images for computer-aided design (CAD)/intraoral scanning.Adjust dentures extra orally.Skills and Abilities:
Effective written and oral communication.Comprehensive knowledge of dental assisting techniques and procedures for all phases of specialty and general dentistry.Knowledge of modern dental materials, their storage, handling and applications.Ability to work with people from a wide diversity of social, ethnic and economic background.Physical Requirements:
Prolonged sitting or standing may be required. Those physical movements and the degree of mobility, manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination normally associated with dental assisting in specialty and general practice dentistry will be performed on a repetitive basis.May require travel to sites/program and special functions.Work under stressful conditions as well as irregular hours may be required.Environmental Conditions Critical to Performance:
Frequent exposure to communicable disease, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, radiation and other conditions common to a clinical environment may routinely be encountered.OSHA Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure Classification - Category I.Utilizes appropriate Infection Control protocols.May be exposed to low level radiation.Will be exposed to outside environmental conditions while traveling.Education and Experience:
High School diploma or GED certificate required.Active Class A driver's license required.Knowledge of specific issues related to Oral Health Education for children, adolescents, pregnant women and chronic medical conditions such as HIV, Diabetes, high blood pressure, cancers.Graduation from a California Board-approved RDA educational program.RDA licensure by Dental Board of California.Completion of 2-hour CA Dental Board-approved CA Dental Practice Act course.Radiation Safety Certificate.8-hour Infection Control course per California Dental Board guidelines.Completion of AHA-approved course in Basic Life Support/CPRCoronal Polish certificateBilingual: English /Spanish is required*All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Employee Benefits:
At JWCH Institute, Inc., we believe in taking care of those who take care of others. If you work 30+ hours per week, you'll enjoy competitive pay and a robust benefits package that includes:
Medical, Dental, VisionMonthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums.Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses.Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays.401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan.Mileage reimbursement.Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD).Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more!Become part of a team where your work matters. Apply today and help us change lives, one patient at a time.
JWCH Institute, Inc + Wesley Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer.
Read LessNotice: Candidates must be available to work two Saturdays per month and be willing to travel to various JWCH locations as needed.
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 individuals 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 PurposeThe position is responsible for performing oral screenings, providing community outreach support, and/or assisting chairside in dental procedures at various company and non-company sites. Travel between sites and flexibility in site assignments are required, as well as availability for two Saturdays per month for clinical/mobile dental sites.
Principal ResponsibilitiesDA Chairside:
Ensures a positive dental experience by educating and counseling patients.Educates patients by demonstrating oral hygiene techniques such as brushing and flossing.Assists the dentist chairside for procedures, including exams, sealants, prophylaxis, fillings, extractions, etc.Maintains the integrity of documentation by properly recording any treatment rendered in the patient's electronic chart.Prepares the patient for dismissal by removing all disposable barriers (e.g., bibs, eyeglasses, etc.).Assists in cleaning up and preparing for the next patient.Reviews the treatment plan with the patient.Reviews the patient's medical history and alerts the dentist of any concerns.Takes the patient's vital signs and records them in the EHR, alerting the dentist of any high blood pressure readings.Provides post-op instructions.Performs sealants and prophylaxis procedures under the supervision of the dental provider.Assists the provider with the oral screening questionnaire.Assists the provider with the application of fluoride for oral screenings if needed.Maintains assigned operatory logs.Cleans suction lines in accordance with Dental Department policies.Maintains Dental Unit Waterlines in accordance with Dental Department policies.Stocks the operatory as needed.Chairside Duties Under Direct Supervision:
Removes sutures after the dentist inspects the site.Applies topical fluoride.Places and removes rubber dams or other isolation devices.Takes alginate preliminary impressions.Places, wedges, and removes matrices for restorative procedures.Applies non-caustic and non-aerosol topical agents (e.g., topical anesthetic).Assists in the administration of nitrous oxide when used for analgesia or sedation. The dental assistant shall not start or adjust the flow of gases.Removes post-extraction dressings after the dentist inspects the surgical site.Cures restorative materials in the operative site with a light-curing device.Takes bite registrations.Chairside Duties Under General Supervision:
Applies topical fluoride when operating in a school-based setting or government public health program.Operates radiographic equipment.Performs intraoral/extra-oral photography.Care for Dental Equipment, Infection Control & Inventory Control:
Maintains mobile dental unit equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's directions and Dental Department policies and protocols.Protects equipment by properly securing dental equipment for transport.Troubleshoots equipment breakdowns by assessing and, if possible, fixing them without the use of a vendor.Informs the MDU dentist of dental equipment issues and schedules repairs with the vendor.Maintains logs for sterilization, dosimetry, dental chairs, and DUWLs.Ensures the sterility of all reusable dental instruments and equipment according to Dental Department protocols.Ensures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with Dental Department directives, clinic policy, as well as state and federal regulations.Maintains Dental Department compliance with infection exposure control, safety, and HIPAA requirements as mandated by local, state, and federal guidelines.Maintains adequate inventory levels of supplies and compiles a list of shortages for ordering purposes.School-based care & Outreach programs:
Coordinates care with schools, school nurses, and patients' parents by providing written communication and reports as needed.Presents PowerPoint presentations and engages patients to create a fun but informative atmosphere.Refers patients to Wesley Dental Clinics for more comprehensive treatment.Participates in appropriate health promotion/disease prevention activities, both on-site and off-site as required.Travel Required:
Ability to travel daily from the MDU to the designated site and back.The first site is considered the home base for the day, but travel to up to two additional sites may be required.Able to complete mileage reimbursement forms for compensation from the first site to the second site.Skills and Abilities:Effective written and oral communication skills.An outgoing personality is a MUST.Comprehensive knowledge of dental assisting techniques and procedures across all phases of general dentistry.Knowledge of modern dental materials, including their storage, handling, and applications.Ability to work with people from a wide variety of social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.Ability to work creatively with other healthcare professionals from various disciplines to achieve optimal results for the clinic's patients, within an integrated primary healthcare system.Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments and responsibilities to ensure compliance with established deadlines and protocols.Proficiency in Microsoft Word & Excel, email, electronic record systems, attachments, and online applications.Physical Requirements:Prolonged sitting or standing may be required. These physical movements, along with the degree of mobility, manual dexterity, and hand-eye coordination typically associated with dental assisting in both specialty and general practice dentistry, will be performed on a repetitive basis.Travel to sites/programs and special functions will be required.Working under stressful conditions and irregular hours may be required.Environmental Conditions Critical to Performance:Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, radiation, and other conditions common to a clinical environment may routinely occur.OSHA Blood borne Pathogen Exposure Classification - Category I.Utilizes appropriate infection control protocols.May be exposed to low-level radiation.Will be exposed to outdoor environmental conditions while traveling.DA Education and Experience:High school diploma or GED certificate required.Active Class A driver's license required.Customer service experience preferred.Knowledge of specific issues related to oral health education for children, adolescents, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic medical conditions such as HIV, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer.Completion of accredited courses in dental assisting.Radiation safety certificate required.8-hour infection control course per California Dental Board guidelines and current CPR and First Aid certificates required.Coronal Polish certificate required as of January 1, 2025.Bilingual: English/Spanish required.*All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Employee Benefits:
At JWCH Institute, Inc., we believe in taking care of those who take care of others. If you work 30+ hours per week, you'll enjoy competitive pay and a robust benefits package that includes:
Read LessThe Medical Assistant for JWCH's Clinic is a full-time position under the direct supervision of the Clinic Administrator or designated Clinic Designee. Within the regulatory scope of practice, the Medical Assistant assists in the provision of direct patient care by performing routine patient care procedures and technical supportive functions, including phlebotomy duties. Medical Assistants at Wesley Health Care Centers work alongside our healthcare teams to provide compassionate care to patients in a clinical setting. This role offers the opportunity to grow your career while making a meaningful impact on the health and lives of underserved populations in the greater Los Angeles area.
Principal Responsibilities:
Performs routine (noninvasive) patient care functions as prescribed by licensed healthcare personnel following established clinic policies and procedures within the defined scope of education, training, and responsibilities.Collects and records patient data, including height, weight, BMI, temperature, pulse, respiration rate, blood pressure, pulse oximeter, and peak flow measurement, in accordance with established policies and procedures.Performs lab tests, including finger sticks, after appropriate training and verification of competency.Conducts phlebotomy procedures, including venipuncture, in compliance with approved medical protocols to collect blood samples for testing.Documents all blood draws and labels samples accurately.Administers immunizations and all medications per provider's order after a licensed healthcare professional verifies the correct medication and dosage.Performs PPD skin test placements, documents measurement of PPD skin tests, and reports information directly to the provider or to the Registered Nurse.Applies and removes bandages and dressings as required.Applies principles of aseptic technique and infection control according to policy and procedures.Provides basic health information and education to patients using established policies and procedures.Works with patients on self-management goals as defined in the case management contract and/or under the direction of a licensed healthcare provider.Performs routine clerical functions as assigned.Takes and routes phone calls timely and efficiently.Schedules routine and follow-up appointments.Accurately files all patient labs, X-rays, EKG results, and other documents after the provider has reviewed and signed off on the information.Maintains clean and stocked patient exam rooms and work areas.Maintains confidentiality at all times.Participates in assigned staff and other meetings, including quality improvement, case conferences, and in-service meetings.Participates in all safety programs, which may include assignment to an emergency response team.Performs other duties and tasks as required or assigned.Requirements:
High School Diploma or GED.Graduation from an accredited Medical Assistant school with a current MA certificate.Phlebotomy CertificationMinimum one year of Phlebotomy experienceExperience with effective puncture techniquesVerification of appropriate hours in approved Medical Assistant course to perform venipuncture.Current BLS certificate from the American Heart Association.Willing and able to work with diverse population including low income, homeless, trauma-involved individuals.Excellent written, oral, organizational and documentation skills.Two years' experience in an ambulatory clinic preferred.Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.Physical Requirements:
Ability to stand and walk for extended periodsManual dexterity for tasks such as venipunctureAbility to lift up to 25 poundsAbility to bend and reach as needed for patient careClear vision for detailed tasksEffective hearing and verbal communication skills*All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce are recommended to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.
Employee Benefits:
Medical, Dental, VisionMonthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums.Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses.Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays.401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan.Mileage reimbursement.Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD).Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more!Become part of a team where your work matters. Apply today and help us change lives, one patient at a time.
JWCH Institute, Inc + Wesley Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer.
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