Temporary Dental Assistant - Clinical and Administrative (Grant-Funded)

Under general supervision, is responsible for beginning level technical dental work and routine clerical work, assisting the Public Health Dentist during examinations and treatment of patients, including maintaining records and organization of the treatment area. Working conditions are primarily in a medical environment. May be exposed to infectious diseases. Must be willing to comply with all OSHA regulations and current immunization policies. Exercises no supervision.

This position is a "grant funded" temporary position, therefore unclassified and has no disciplinary appeal rights to the Municipal Civil Service Commission. This position is likewise subject to at-will employment status and can be terminated at any time for any reason.

The San Antonio Metro Health District (SAMHD) provides public health services to clients, which may include risk for exposure to and possible transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases. Staff in high-risk positions will be required to obtain relevant immunizations, per SAMHD Policy DM 13.2. Review and consideration will be given to requests for exemption from this policy.

SAMHD is committed to advancing health equity throughout the community and to creating a work environment in which all staff feel valued, respected, and accepted. Per SAMHD Policy DM 15.1, all staff are expected to apply a health equity lens to programs, services, and decision making that directly impact the communities we serve.

Work Location - Various locations across Bexar County

Home Office - 2802 Martin Luther King Dr, San Antonio, TX 78220

Work Hours (45 minute lunch)

9:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Monday

7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Wednesday

7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Friday

• Sets up and breaks down portable dental equipment at school sites on a daily basis.
• Prepares for daily clinics; stocking and maintaining clinical supplies, office supplies, required forms and preparing goodie bags.
• Prepares patients by seating them and adjusting the dental chair, notes individual patient limitations and dental needs.
• Assist dentist with patient management.
• Charts and maintains accurate records of treatment administered.
• Administers fluoride varnish applications under the supervision of a dentist.
• Disinfects and prepares treatment area between patients.
• Carries out infection control and follows OSHA safety procedures.
• Assists families in finding additional resources for care.
• Collects and reports statistical data to Dental Division administrative staff.
• Enters patient treatment record into database.
• Maintains clinical inventory, prepares quarterly inventory report and prepares records for archiving.
• Prepares and conducts oral hygiene presentations.
• Technical and clerical dental work requires operating dentistry and basic office equipment as well as sitting, standing, reaching, walking, twisting, and kneeling such as disinfecting and preparing the treatment area and adjusting the dental chair for patients.
• Performs related duties and fulfill responsibilities as required.

• High school diploma or a GED equivalent (recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency.

• A valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License or the ability to obtain a valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License within thirty (30) days after becoming a resident of the State of Texas.
• Must be a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
• CPR certification highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft office.
• CPR certification highly desirable.
• Bilingual preferred.

Applicant Information

• Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is defined as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months. One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.
• Applicants selected for employment with the City of San Antonio in this position must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing and background checks. If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.
• Please be advised that if selected for this position, information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position will be needed for employment verification. Applicants claiming military service to meet the experience requirement for this position may attach a DD214 to the application.
• If selected for this position, official transcripts, diplomas, certifications, and licenses must be submitted at the time of processing. Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.

• Knowledge of comprehensive dental procedures and techniques.
• Knowledge of medical dental records preparation and maintenance.
• Knowledge of dental instruments and supplies and sterilization and disinfecting techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of dental and oral hygiene.
• Knowledge of infection control procedures and techniques.
• Skill in utilizing a personal computer and associated software programs.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to prepare and conduct oral hygiene presentations.
• Ability to assist the Public Health Dentist in routine and comprehensive dental procedures.
• Ability to conduct prescreening interviews with patients.
• Ability to develop and mount intraoral radiographic film.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff and the general public.
• Ability to perform basic office clerical functions, including maintaining patient health records.
• Ability to assist in general dental procedures.
• Ability to perform all the physical requirements of the position with or without accommodations.