Impact Lives, Impact Community

Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) is passionate about providing exceptional health care to all, especially underserved communities with limited health care options. Founded by a Latina grandmother/community advocate over 50 years ago in Barrio Logan, FHCSD has grown into one of the largest community health systems in the country. With over 62 sites, over 227,000 patients, and over 417,000 visits last year, we provide a wide variety of health care and outreach services to a very diverse patient population. We are proud of our mission, our lasting community impact, and the cultural and individual diversity of our staff.

General Job Description

Under the direction of the Dental Clinic Coordinator or Assistant Director, the Dental Assistant assists team members to maintain an efficient functioning Dental Department. At this level, the dental assistant performs with prompting and guidance from the Dental provider, and is actively developing skills and competencies. As a Dental Assistant for Family Health Centers of San Diego, you embrace a spirit of service to provide caring, affordable, high quality healthcare and supportive services to everyone, with a special commitment to uninsured, low income and medically underserved persons. You thrive on the challenge of working in a fast-paced environment with many chronically ill patients, knowing you are making a difference in your community every day. You enjoy partnering with and supporting the dental team to provide excellence in dental services to every patient.

Job Roles

*Accurately charts diagnosis of providers, assisting the front office as needed with charts, recalls, billing, x-rays and filing.

*Assists both dentist and hygienist chair side as needed. Provides accurate translation of communication of treatment and information between patients and providers.

*Completes all required documentation accurately, in a timely manner, and thoroughly in accordance with department standards; in addition, documentation complies with patients' insurance requirements.

*Maintains instruments and equipment, sterilization, tray set-ups, unit stocking-preparations to facilitate efficiency, quality care with patient, and provider satisfaction. Maintains equipment including x-ray equipment, sterilizers, vacuum system dental units, and hand pieces. Uses resources efficiently; practices in a cost-effective manner.

*Performs DA duties, including instrument processing and sterilization. Takes x-rays that are of good diagnostic quality, acceptable to providers and 3rd party payers.

*Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Certifications/Licenses/Registrations

*Certificate of completion from an accredited program for dental assistants or equivalent on-the-job training.

*Current American Heart Association healthcare provider CPR (BLS) certification required.

*Dental x-ray Certificate.

*High school diploma (or GED equivalent).

*California Dental Board Dental Practice Act and Infection Control certifications required within 1 year of employment.

Experience/Specialized skills (including Language)

*1 year experience as a dental assistant preferred.

*Bilingual in Spanish/English may be required depending on assignment.

In the spirit of pay transparency, we are excited to share the base range for this position, exclusive of fringe benefits or potential bonuses.

If you are hired at Family Health Centers of San Diego, your final base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, jurisdictional requirements, skills, education, and/or experience. In addition to these factors - we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is what we reasonably expect to pay for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical in order to allow for future and continued salary growth. We also offer a generous compensation and benefits package (more information on our benefits offerings is available here: