Dental Assistant
APLA Health·Los Angeles, California
APLA Health·Los Angeles, California
Provide chair-side support to the dentist during patient treatments across various dental specialties. Maintain clinic cleanliness, sterilize instruments, and assist with patient records and translation services.
The Dental Assistant works under the supervision of the Chief Dental Officer. As a Dental Assistant you will provide chair-side support to the Dentist during patient treatment. Other duties include instrument sterilization, maintaining dental office cleanliness and asepsis, assisting in language translation between doctor and patient, and other front office duties as needed. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide efficient chair-side assistance to the Dentist in the clinic. Welcome and greet every patient in the clinic. Help patients feel comfortable before, during and after treatment. Help provide direct patient care in all dental specialties, including endodontics and oral surgery. Prepare the treatment room, have instruments, equipment and materials ready. Position instruments for Dentist access, be prepare to suction and pass instruments when needed or requested by the Dentist or Hygienist. Provide information to the patient by answering questions and request. Maintain patient record by taking dental histories and medical histories. Take and record vital signs before treatment initiates. Perform patient charting as instructed by the Dentist. Take and develop dental radiographs (x-rays). Take impressions as instructed by the Dentist and pour models. Perform coronal polishing (if licensed by the Dental Board of California) Fabricate temporary restorations (if licensed by the Dental Board of California) Clean, pack and sterilize instruments and use correct PPE when handling sterile and non-sterile instruments. Provide post-operative instructions as prescribed by the Dentist. Maintain a clean and safe environment by complying with the procedures, rules and regulations of the clinic. Protect yourself and patients by adhering to infection-control policies and procedures. Ensure operations for dental equipment by completing preventative maintenance requirements following manufacturer’s instructions. Help maintain dental supply inventory. Help Dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining a CPR certification, have knowledge of where the medical emergency kit and oxygen tank are stored. Assist in maintaining OSHA and HIPAA compliance. Assist the front office when needed. Be a visible representative of APLA Dental Services, Inc. in the community and occasionally network with other community based organizations to help improve relationships and ensure maximum availability of resources for our patients. Effectively communicate with clients/patients in English and Spanish as required per aforementioned job duties. OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED TO MEET BUSINESS NEEDS. QualificationsREQUIREMENTS: Training and Experience: X-ray certification issued by the Dental Board of California At least one year of chair-side assisting experience CPR Certified RDA preferred but not required Knowledge of: Universal precautions and infection control OSHA and HIPAA regulations Dental materials and usage HIV/AIDS medical issues (preferred but not required) Microsoft Office Programs Ability to: Fluently speak in the Spanish Language Work independently and responsibly Treat patients with respect, compassion, and confidentiality Work effectively as a team member in a busy dental practice Be self-motivated and maintain the commitment to excellence of APLA Dental Services, Inc. Learn and become proficient with eClinicals Works and Dexis Bilingual required – English/Spanish. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This is primarily an office position that requires only occasional bending, reaching, stooping, lifting and moving of office materials weighing 25 pounds or less. The position requires daily use of a personal computer and requires entering, viewing, and revising text and graphics on the computer terminal and on paper. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must possess a valid California driver’s license; proof of auto liability insurance; and have the use of a personal vehicle for work related purposes. COVID vaccination is required and APLA Health will consider accommodations for disability- and religious-based reasons. Equal Opportunity Employer: APLA Health is an EEO Employer.
Requires X-ray certification from the Dental Board of California, CPR certification, and at least one year of chair-side experience. Fluency in both English and Spanish is mandatory.
Market context
California dental assistant roles are commonly competitive because employers look for current certifications, dental terminology knowledge, chairside technical skills, and strong communication in team-based practices. Benefits often include medical, dental, vision, paid time off, and 401(k) options. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to quickly compare fit, then confirm your certifications and tailor your application to the specific equipment and workflow mentioned in the posting.
