Job Description
Job DescriptionDental Assistant
M-F Day Shift
Position Summary
We are seeking a compassionate and detail-oriented Dental Assistant to support our dental team in delivering high-quality patient care. This role is responsible for assisting dentists during procedures, preparing treatment rooms, maintaining sterilization standards, obtaining radiographs, documenting patient information, and ensuring an exceptional patient experience. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced clinical environment, values teamwork, and is committed to improving oral health outcomes for diverse patient populations.
Essential Responsibilities
- Assist dentists during examinations, restorative procedures, extractions, and other dental treatments utilizing four-handed dentistry techniques.
- Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, equipment, and materials for patient care.
- Obtain and process dental radiographs in accordance with safety guidelines and regulatory requirements.
- Record patient medical and dental histories and maintain accurate documentation in electronic health records.
- Educate patients on oral hygiene, preventive care, and post-treatment instructions.
- Sterilize instruments and maintain infection prevention and control standards.
- Clean, disinfect, and restock operatories between patient visits.
- Assist with impressions, sealants, fluoride treatments, and other clinical procedures as permitted by state regulations and certifications.
- Monitor inventory levels and assist with ordering clinical supplies and materials.
- Support patient scheduling, coordination of care, and clinic flow as needed.
- Collaborate effectively with dentists, hygienists, and administrative staff to provide patient-centered care.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, CDC, HIPAA, and organizational policies and procedures.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Completion of an accredited Dental Assistant program preferred.
- Current Dental Assistant certification/registration as required by state regulations.
- Current X-Ray certification preferred.
- CPR/BLS certification or ability to obtain upon hire.
- Minimum one year of dental assisting experience preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of dental instruments, procedures, and infection control practices.
- Strong understanding of sterilization and aseptic techniques.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively with patients from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced clinical environment.
- Experience using electronic dental records and practice management software preferred.
- Commitment to providing exceptional customer service and patient care.
Work Environment
- Fast-paced outpatient dental clinic environment.
- Frequent standing, bending, reaching, and assisting during dental procedures.
- Exposure to dental instruments, radiographic equipment, and clinical materials.
- May require lifting and moving supplies up to 25 pounds.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a community health center, public health setting, or underserved population.
- Bilingual skills preferred.
- Experience with pediatric, adult, and geriatric patient populations.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sacramento, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $30.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Sacramento,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 15, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.