RDA I

Since 1970, Indian Health Council, Inc. (IHC) has provided high-quality, compassionate healthcare and support services to the nine Federally recognized American Indian tribes in north San Diego County. With more than 200 employees serving 2 clinic sites, IHC is proud of the diversity of its staff as a reflection of the community it serves. The reward of working at IHC is more than a paycheck and excellent benefits; it is the impact and contribution to the Tribal community that employees value most. If you are passionate about improving the overall health and wellness of our tribal community, IHC is looking for people like you.

Our Philosophy
At IHC, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge to achieve their healthcare goals. We strive to treat the whole person using a multifaceted approach to include physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health and wellbeing.

Our Benefits
PPO medical, dental, and vision insurance with low employee contribution; company-paid life and disability insurance; malpractice coverage for providers; 403B retirement with company matching; generous PTO and Sick time; 14 paid holidays; paid jury service; and paid bereavement leave; reimbursement for professional license(s), and certifications such as CPR and continuing education units. Our facility also qualifies as a high-need area for provider CA State and Federal Loan Repayment Programs.

Reports To: RDA Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Classification: Regular, Part-Time

Schedule: Tuesday-Thursday 8:00am-4:30pm

Location: Onsite, position may be assigned to work at both IHC locations

SUMMARY: Assists dentist during examination and treatment to include preventive procedures, pedodontics, and procedures as permitted by California Dental Board Licensure under the supervision of a licensed dentist.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The information in this job description indicates the general nature and level of work performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required of employees assigned to this job position. Duties and responsibilities may change (be assigned or removed) at any time with or without notice.

1. Complies with CDC, CALOSHA and all established dental department policies and procedures, safety, and infection control standards.

2. Participates in educational development activities to maintain current RDA license and employment status.

3. Prepares patients and facilitates dental care.

4. Prepares and sets up dental operatory for procedures with instruments and materials.

5. Takes and records medical and dental histories and vital signs of patient.

6. Exposes diagnostic dental x-rays.

7. Assists the dentist during procedures, keeps the oral operating area clear, supplies instruments, materials, and medications.

8. Assists the dentists with patient management by contributing to the patient’s comfort and reassurance.

9. Assists inpatient education including oral hygiene, plaque control techniques and provides patients with appropriate dentifrices.

10. Breaks down, cleans, and maintains the dental operatory in between patient care according to dental department policy and procedure.

11. Sterilizes, disinfects, processes, and maintains dental instruments in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU).

12. Performs maintenance on all back office dental equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions.

13. Performs additional patient procedures under a dentist's supervision as permitted by California RDA licensure.

14. Checks and completes all assigned back-office tasks.

15. Adheres to back-office priority flows daily.

16. Rotates to Rincon as needed.

17. Maintains patient confidentiality.

18. Serve as a resource to front desk personnel by answering questions regarding scheduling and treatment plans.

19. Contributes to the coordination of back-office patient flow through effective and professional verbal communication.

20. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned including serving as a backup to cover multiple positions within the Dental Department.

21. Other duties as assigned.

22. Position may be re-assigned during activation of EOP

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

TRAVEL & DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

• Travel is not required for this position
• Driving is not required for this position

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Minimum high school diploma or GED and graduate of Dental (RDA) Assisting program.
• Prefer 1+ years of RDA experience, but will except entry level RDA.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Competence in the operation of standard dental equipment.
• Basic knowledge and skills through work experience with general dentistry procedures.
• Knowledge of OSHA blood-borne pathogen standards and adhere to safety rules and professional standards.
• Knowledge of appropriate COVID-19 safety protocols.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, clinic staff, and the public.
• Effective and professional verbal communication skills.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changing work environment.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, MEMBERSHIPS AND REGULATIONS

• Current RDA, Sealant certification, Coronal Polishing certificate and Dental Radiation License required.
• A valid California driver’s license and a good driving record will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Current BLS provider CPR certification or attain within 6 months of hire.
• Applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment physical exam, tuberculin skin test or x-ray and urine drug screen test to include marijuana.
• Health must be adequate to perform all duties of the position.
• Must pass a criminal background check.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Indoors
• OSHA PPE universal precautions

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS

1. Respond promptly and with caring actions to patients and employees.

2. Maintain professional working relationships with all levels of staff, patients, and the public.

3. Be part of a team and cooperate in accomplishing department/organizational goals and objectives.

QUALITY MANAGEMENT

1. Display knowledge of normal signs of human development and ability to assess and provide age-appropriate care.

2. Contribute to the success of the organization by participating in quality improvement activities.

SAFETY

1. Maintain current knowledge of policies and procedures as they relate to safe work practices.

2. Follow all safety procedures and report unsafe conditions.

3. Use appropriate body mechanics to ensure an injury free environment.

4. Follow all infection control procedures including blood-borne pathogen protocols.

HIPAA/COMPLIANCE

1. Maintain privacy of all patient, employee, and volunteer information. Access such information only on a need-to-know basis and for business purposes only.

2. Comply with all regulations regarding corporate integrity and security obligations.

3. Report unethical, fraudulent, or unlawful behavior or activity.

Indian Preference shall be given in accordance with IHC’s Policies and Procedures.