“I love being able to do something that helps our patients. They’ll tell me, ‘Thank you so much! I’m not in pain anymore!’ Dentistry is very expensive. Working here, we’re helping our community, and that is so pleasing to me. We’re helping our patients so much.”
– Roxanna
Join Clinica’s Dental Assistant Training Program!
What is the dental assistant training program?
Clinica Family Health & Wellness is thrilled to invite you to apply for our Dental Assisting Training Program. This 12-week program is designed for individuals who are passionate about improving community health and dentistry. As a participant, you will receive comprehensive training in dental assisting techniques and gain valuable hands-on experience through on-site clinical practice. Our experienced dental professionals will be there every step of the way to support your learning and help you succeed in your career. Upon graduation, you will have the opportunity to join our team as a dental assistant, playing a vital role in ensuring that our patients receive the dental care they need to thrive.
Why apply for the DA trainee program?
Through our Dental Assistant training program, you can:
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Begin a clinical career path in approximately 12 weeks
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Receive compensation during training
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Work alongside an experienced team
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Unlock opportunities for growth and advancement within our clinic
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Provide direct patient care
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Work with a team of dentists and other dental professionals
What does a Dental Assistant do?
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Patient Preparation. Many patients come into the office apprehensive about their procedure or condition. As a Dental Assistant, you’ll prepare patients for oral examinations, create an atmosphere to put patients at ease, and record vital signs for each patient to ensure the highest standard of care.
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Prepare Instruments and Rooms. Preparing instruments and rooms is also important. As a Dental Assistant, you’ll organize and maintain lab equipment, prepare rooms, instruments, and tray setups for procedures.
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Assist with Procedures. Dental Assistants help dentists provide treatment, take, develop, and mount X-rays, place fillings in certain states, and even fabricate temporary restorations or custom impressions from preliminary impressions. DAs also play an integral role in assisting the dentist in the management of both medical and dental emergencies.
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Expanded Functions. After spending several months in the profession, Dental Assistants are often able to apply sealants, polish teeth, and monitor specialized procedures. This gets you more involved with patients and enables you to make a difference firsthand.
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Assist in Proper Patient Care. Dental Assistants schedule and follow up with patients and provide oral hygiene instructions, establishing proper habits that will lead to long-term health.
What qualities do I need to be a successful candidate?
We are looking for individuals who are passionate about the dental field, and ready to learn in a fast-paced environment. Qualities that we are looking for include:
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Eagerness to learn and take on new challenges
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Comfortable working in an environment where saliva and blood are visible (not for the squeamish)
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Open to constructive feedback
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Comfortable working with sharp instruments
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A positive attitude and willingness to grow with us
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Dedication and perseverance handling stress when working in a fast-paced environment
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Ability to multitask effectively and prioritize tasks
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Ability to work well in a team and provide outstanding patient care
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Excellent communication skills in both English and Spanish
If you possess these qualities and are looking for an opportunity to start a career in the dental field, we encourage you to apply for our dental assistant training program. No prior experience is necessary, and we are looking for individuals who are willing to learn and grow with us.
How can I apply?
Clinica is currently offering full-time dental trainee positions at our Lafayette and Thornton dental clinics. To apply for a position, visit our job board and type “Dental Assistant Trainee” into the search bar, then apply at the location of your choice. This opportunity is open to internal and external candidates. The deadline for applications is August 22 and interviews will be conducted in the following weeks. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference in the community and help ensure that our patients have access to high-quality dental care!
When does the next cohort start?
Coming soon!
Contact Kimberly Morales (kmorales@clinica.org) for more information about the program.
Hear what it’s like to be a Clinica DA from someone who’s done it.
Roxanna Sanchez, Dental Assistant Team Manager
Roxanna first came to Clinica to complete an internship as part of her training. After seeing how Clinica operated, she wanted to come back.
“I always enjoyed going to the dentist. All the instruments interested me. I wanted to know what they were used for. That’s how I became interested in becoming a dental assistant.
“I love being able to do something that helps our patients. They’ll tell me, ‘Thank you so much! I’m not in pain anymore!’ Dentistry is very expensive. Working here, we’re helping our community, and that is so pleasing to me. We’re helping our patients so much.”
Roxanna also encourages other dental assistants to consider working at Clinica: “You’ll be helping out your community. We work as a team so you not alone. The schedule is very flexible, and the staff is really just a big family.”
Learn more about being a Dental Assistant at Clinica
This job exists to: Performs those duties to assist the Dental Director, Dentists, and Hygienists in the care and treatment of patients. Performs reception, chair-side assisting, inventory and dental record duties.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
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Assists the dentist and hygienists in chair-side procedures routinely done in a general and pediatric dental practice.
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Responsible for preparation and setting up of instruments, materials, and equipment necessary for each procedure.
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Responsible for the sterilization of instruments, and the cleaning and routine maintenance of equipment and work areas.
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Occasionally schedules patients, and accurately records information on patient records.
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Exhibits positive leadership skills, actively striving to improve the patient and staff experience of Clinica, as well as strong communication skills, including willingness to grow and develop skills in motivational interviewing.
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Assist in processing encounters.
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Identify related medical and/or social problems.
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Assist in maintaining inventory of supplies and materials as well as maintaining thorough and accurate documentation of inventory.
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Assist with the training of new Dental Assistants.
Hospital Responsibilities (if applicable):
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Assist the Dentist in dental surgical procedures.
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Review pre-operative and post-operative instructions with guardian.
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Document treatment and other notes in EDR.
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Responsible for the preparation and set up of the Operating Room.
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Maintain knowledge of supplies and inventory in the Dental Cart and storage room.
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Maintain knowledge and understanding of consent forms regarding surgical procedures.
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Review with patient and guardian as needed.
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Adhere to PPE operating room requirements.
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Comply with Children’s Hospital North Surgery Center and Clinica employee policies and procedures including, but not limited to (privileging and credentialing, handling equipment, sterilization, etc.).
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Adhere to Children’s Hospital North Surgery Center Radiation and Safety procedure. Follow correct operating procedure for NOMAD.
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Keep and maintain professional working relationship with staff from Children’s Hospital North Surgery Center.
Position Qualifications:
Education / Experience
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HS diploma or GED
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Graduate from dental assistant school or certification require
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Previous experience desired, but not required
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X-ray certification required
Knowledge, skills and abilities:
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Sensitivity to low income, ethnic minority community
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Bilingual in Spanish
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An ability and willingness to learn and expand abilities.
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An ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with patients and coworkers. Ability to work in a team environment a must.
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Ability to follow oral and written instructions
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Ability to prepare and maintain charts, records, logs, and reports.
What we offer:
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Competitive Vacation Time
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Paid Holidays
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Medical Benefits
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Dental Benefits
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Vision Plan
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Retirement Plan
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Flexible Spending Account
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Growth Opportunities
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…and more!
Compensation:
Approximately $15-$19 per hour. All individual pay rates are calculated based on the candidate’s experience and internal equity.
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Clinica Family Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.