Dental Assistant*

Dental Assistant Position: Dental Assistant Location: Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn, NY Education & Experience: The Dental Assistant must be a graduate of a school of allied health/technical program (or equivalent) and must hold a current certification and registration as a Dental Assistant. Training must include dental radiology and radiology safety. The Dental Assistant shall be certified in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in accordance with the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association and have a minimum of six (6) months of experience providing Dental Assistant services. All contract workers under this BPA shall have the ability to read, understand, count, fluently speak, and legibly write the English language. Bilingual oral communication skills and experience in a clinical correctional setting are desirable but not required. Documents Needed: (resume, photocopies of certificates, verification of education, licensure, etc.). Must provide a letter of recommendation from three (3) peers. Clinical Assistance: Assists the Dental Officer/Chief Dental Officer in all dental specialty sections: restorative, oral surgery, periodontics, prosthetics, and examinations. Retrieves patient records, escorts patients to the appropriate dental specialty section, seats and prepares patients for treatment. Prepares dental instruments, essential materials, drugs, and medications for procedures. Passes instruments, retracts tissues, irrigates the oral cavity, and operates the aspirator. Observes patient responses during treatment and assists with dismissal from the clinic. Provides instructions for subsequent dental appointments and explains the scheduling process. Assists in the treatment of all emergency cases. Assists the dentist with dental health education, dental prophylaxis, and dental screening examinations. Performs dental and periodontal charting, including scanning when required. Prepares patients for periodontal surgery. Assesses and documents vital signs. Assists with preparing surgical packs. Assists with placing temporary fillings and placing/removing rubber dams. Places and finishes dental restorations, including bases and liners. Selects tooth shade for composite restorations and dentures. Conducts basic dental sick call, including but not limited to radiographs, with or without a Dentist present. Assists the Health Services Department by taking vital signs when asked by Health Services Staff. Radiology: Takes radiographs using standard and digital dental radiographic equipment, including panelipse, cephalometric, and transcranial units. Obtains diagnostic-quality periapical, occlusal, lateral jaw, TMJ, and panoramic radiographs. Correctly positions patients and film/sensors. Determines appropriate radiation levels to minimize exposure. Processes and saves digital radiographs to patient medical records. Performs quality assurance on radiographic and developing equipment and safelight. Maintains proper infection control procedures in radiographic techniques. Laboratory & Prosthetics: Fabricates and repairs dental prostheses and appliances under supervision. Performs procedures related to fabrication and repair of complete denture prostheses and removable partial prostheses. Uses acrylic resins and porcelain as basic materials. Makes primary impressions and pours casts. Infection Control & Sterilization: Cleans, sharpens, sterilizes, and secures instruments for both the dental clinic and the medical department. Maintains proper infection control procedures throughout the dental clinic. Sterilizes contaminated biological waste. Prepares the dental treatment room for the next patient. Equipment & Supply Management: Maintains dental equipment, corrosive cabinet, chemicals, and clinic supplies. Organizes dental equipment for efficient and effective clinic operations. Counts dental equipment and maintains accurate logs according to policy; reports discrepancies to the Chief Dental Officer or COR. Performs daily inspection of equipment, makes minor repairs, and reports discrepancies or defective equipment. Establishes or utilizes corrective actions when needed. Patient Records & Documentation: Must document directly all treatments and interventions performed. This includes but is not limited to vital signs. Makes necessary entries on dental treatment records (electronic and paper). Prepares entries for patient records and documents care within the Bureau's Electronic Medical Record (BEMR). Processes and saves digital radiographs to patient medical records. Manages dental records and disposes of records past retention dates. Reviews sick call box, responds appropriately, and schedules patients in BEMR. Maintains dental logs and performs Quickpass water testing monthly or quarterly as required. May be required to properly dispose of paper records, such as shredding, when warranted. Medication & Preventive Care: Selects and applies medication in proper portions, including anti-cariogenic agents. Applies medication prescribed by a Dental Officer to gingiva to promote healing. Uses dental hand instruments, mechanical instruments (including ultrasonic), oral hygiene aids, and prophylaxis paste to provide oral prophylactic services. EEO Statement: NURSE'S Etc. STAFFING provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need. #J-18808-Ljbffr NURSES Etc STAFFING