Job Description

This is a 6-month fixed-term position with the possibility of transitioning to regular full-time employment.

Since 1897, the Ostrow School of Dentistry has shaped talented students into outstanding dentists and dental hygienists. Our challenging clinical education and our expert faculty members provide future oral health professionals with the skills they need to become the best. 

We, at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, are all committed to maintaining an environment of excellence and eminence, and this commitment shines through in all that we do.

Advanced Orthodontic Program at Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC is looking for a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) . The RDA provides both administrative and comprehensive chair-side assisting services for patients during dental treatment procedures for clinical faculty, doctoral dental students, and post-doctoral students in clinical unit(s) and/or affiliated practices. Ensures adherence to strict principles of the standard of care, cleanliness, and infection control. Ensures that all communication provided to patients/parents, residents, clinic employees, and faculty is presented in a professional and friendly manner. No travel to other locations for work, and this position does not supervise other employees.

Job Accountabilities:

• Observes dental assisting employees and students to ensure adherence to strict principles of the standard of care, cleanliness, and infection control. Reports noncompliance to supervisors and/or faculty.
• Prepares treatment/clinical areas for patient care. Organizes and prepares trays for dental procedures, readies, and mixes materials, and maintains adequate inventories in each operatory. Preps patients and assists dentists with procedures. Obtains vital signs and monitors patients for complications. Cleans up following procedures, disposes of waste, disinfects area after each patient, and sets up for next patient in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintains inventory of disposable materials, medications, dental instruments, equipment, and supplies in the dental operatory and those required for daily operation. Organizes supplies and equipment to minimize loss and maximize utilization. Performs regular audits to ensure the removal of expired materials. Maintains a clean and orderly clinic. Sterilizes and disinfects instruments and equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Prepares materials for making impressions and restorations, as needed. Exposes and processes digital radiography or traditional x-rays. Practices radiation safety always when using dental radiographs generators.
• Assists Residents with explaining treatment instructions and treatment plans to patients and parents of Spanish speaking families.
• Leads other dental assistants in the absence of the supervisor as needed. Provides administrative support (e.g., schedule, attendance records) and problem resolution as required. Assists with patient registration, appointment scheduling, billing, filing, scanning, and other related administrative support duties as required. Obtains dental history, records from patients, and ensures health histories are recorded and current. Provides patient education and treatment planning information as directed by attending faculty providers, or by students. Promotes an environment that fosters inclusive relationships and creates unbiased opportunities for contributions through ideas, words, and actions that uphold principles of the USC Code of Ethics.

What makes you stand out?

• Demonstrated excellent bilingual skills in English and Spanish (written and verbal)
• Demonstrated collaborative work style.
• Previous work experience in orthodontic patient care

The Trojan Family Rewards:
We pride ourselves in creating the BEST USC EXPERIENCE, and that begins with our employees! We offer a wide variety of benefits and programs that support our staff and their families. For more information, please visit

This support advocates work-life balance and employee well-being. As members of the Trojan family, employees are connected by the traditions and history that make us proud to be Trojans!

As an equal opportunity employer, USC values and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. The work culture thrives on mutual respect, trust, and constructive collaboration amongst all its members.

USC has great minds that transform the world with their talents and research. Will you be one? Join us!

FIGHT ON!

The hourly rate range for this position is $22.00 - 24.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education: High school or equivalent. Specialized/technical training Minimum Experience:  1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Valid Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) License. One year of chairside experience in a dental environment or private practice in one or more recognized dental disciplines (e.g., general/prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery). Working knowledge of HIPAA compliance. and dental terminology. Demonstrated experience in a high volume, fast-paced environment, with proven interpersonal and multitasking skills. Working knowledge of proper sterilization and instrument management techniques. Excellent written and oral communication. skills and orientation for teamwork. Ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures. Maintains working knowledge of First Aid, CPR, and Automated External Defibrillator use.

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Full time, Fixed term contract, Work experience placement, Private practice, Local area,

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