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Registered Dental Assistant

Harbor Community Clinic
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California, USA
Aug 13, 2026
Healthcare

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) reports directly to the Dental Director and/or Dental Office Manager and is responsible for providing clinical and administrative support to the dental team before, during, and after the delivery of dental services. This role assists providers in delivering high-quality patient care, ensures compliance with applicable dental regulations and infection control standards, supports patient education, and contributes to efficient dental clinic operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily to be successful in this role.

Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

  • Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, materials, and equipment for patient care.
  • Welcome, prepare, seat, and assist patients throughout dental procedures.
  • Assist dentists during examinations and procedures by providing chairside support, instrument transfer, suctioning, and patient management.
  • Sterilize, disinfect, and maintain dental instruments and equipment in accordance with infection control standards.
  • Expose and process dental radiographs in compliance with state regulations.
  • Educate patients regarding oral hygiene, plaque control, preventive care, and post-operative instructions.
  • Maintain adequate inventory of dental supplies and notify leadership of replenishment needs.
  • Participate in quality improvement, compliance, safety, and infection prevention activities.
  • Promote patient satisfaction and provide exceptional customer service to patients and families.
  • Cross-train and assist with front office functions, including patient check-in, appointment scheduling, insurance verification, and related administrative duties as needed.
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic dental record.

Expanded Duties Within California RDA Scope of Practice

  • Perform mouth-mirror inspections of the oral cavity, including charting obvious lesions, existing restorations, and missing teeth.
  • Apply and activate bleaching agents using approved non-laser light-curing devices.
  • Utilize automated caries detection devices and record findings prior to placement of pit and fissure sealants.
  • Obtain intraoral images for computer-aided design (CAD) procedures.
  • Perform pulp vitality testing and record findings.
  • Place bases, liners, etchants, and bonding agents for restorative procedures as permitted by law.
  • Chemically prepare teeth for bonding procedures.
  • Place, adjust, and finish direct provisional restorations.
  • Size stainless steel crowns, temporary crowns, and orthodontic bands.
  • Fabricate temporary crowns intra-orally.
  • Remove excess cement from supragingival tooth surfaces during orthodontic treatment using approved methods.
  • Apply pit and fissure sealants in accordance with California regulations.
  • Perform all duties within the scope of practice authorized by the California Dental Practice Act and Dental Board of California regulations.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education, Experience, and/or Training

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.
  • Current and active Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license issued by the Dental Board of California.
  • Successful completion of Board-approved coursework in Radiation Safety.
  • Successful completion of Board-approved courses in Infection Control and the California Dental Practice Act.
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint clearance, if required.
  • Knowledge of dental terminology, dental procedures, instruments, and equipment.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse patient populations while maintaining professionalism, dignity, and respect.

Preferred Education, Experience, and/or Training

  • Minimum two (2) years of experience as a Registered Dental Assistant.
  • Experience working in a community clinic, public health setting, or Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
  • Experience with electronic dental records.
  • Bilingual pro
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