Dental Assistant- MDU

Company: JWCH Institute
Location: Los Angeles
Posted on: February 19, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Department: Mobile Dental Unit (Various Sites) Notice: 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 Purpose: The 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 Responsibilities: DA 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: Medical, Dental, Vision Monthly 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 .

Keywords: JWCH Institute, Santa Barbara , Dental Assistant- MDU, Healthcare , Los Angeles, California