
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
At Kali Smiles, we pride ourselves on creating a positive, comfortable, and fun environment for our young patients and their families. Our team is dedicated to providing high quality pediatric dental care and building relationships that encourage lifelong healthy smiles.
We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Lead Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with children, strong leadership abilities, and the technical expertise to assist our doctors in delivering outstanding pediatric dental care. This role includes both clinical and administrative responsibilities, including mentoring team members, overseeing daily operations, and ensuring the highest standards of patient care and infection control.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Duties:
- Provide chairside assistance during pediatric dental procedures, anticipating the needs of the dentist
- Prepare and sterilize instruments, equipment, and treatment areas according to infection control protocols
- Take and process digital dental radiographs
- Educate patients and parents on oral hygiene practices and post-treatment care
- Perform coronal polishing and apply pit and fissure sealants (if certified)
- Assist with behavior management techniques appropriate for children
- Ensure accurate and timely documentation in patient records
Leadership & Administrative Duties:
- Oversee daily clinical operations to ensure efficiency and adherence to protocols
- Provide training, coaching, and mentorship to dental assistants
- Manage inventory and order supplies for the clinical area
- Assist with scheduling, workflow coordination, and delegation of tasks
- Monitor compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, and state regulations
- Serve as a point of contact between the clinical team and practice management
Qualifications
- Active Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license in California
- Fluent in both Spanish and English (written and spoken).
- Minimum of 2-3 years of dental assisting experience; pediatric experience strongly preferred
- Prior leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred
- Current CPR/BLS certification
- Coronal polishing and pit and fissure sealant certifications (as required by state regulations)
- Knowledge of dental terminology, procedures, and infection control protocols
- Experience with digital radiography and electronic dental records.
- Ability to work effectively with children of all ages, including those with special needs
- Strong interpersonal skills, with a compassionate and patient-centered approach
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Must meet the physical requirements of the position, including standing, bending, and assisting for extended periods
Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Paid Time Off and Holidays
- Retirement Savings Plan
- Employees discounts on orthodontic treatment for family members.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to hear and understand verbal communication in person and over the phone in order to convey and receive information effectively. The employee must have vision sufficient to read written materials, computer screens, forms, and other clinical documents. The position requires a high level of manual dexterity and tactile sensation in the fingertips. The employee must be able to reach above shoulder level, and be able to bend, squat, sit, stand, stoop, crouch, reach, kneel, twist, and turn as needed to perform job functions. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds occasionally and assist in moving or positioning patients as needed.
Work Environment
Work is performed in a dental office environment. The noise level is generally moderate but may vary depending on patient flow and clinical activity.
About Us
Kali Smiles is a proud partner of Image Specialty Partner (ISP), a doctor-led dental partnership organization. We believe that a healthy, beautiful smile is more than just an aesthetic feature – it is a catalyst for confidence and self-esteem. Propelled by our core values of Integrity, Efficiency, Teamwork, and Going Above and Beyond, we are committed to excellence in every facet of our work and providing the best experience for our patients.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other status protected by law.