Dental Assistant

Job Title

Dental Assistant

Job Description

James A. Haley VA Medical Center Dental Service is seeking an experienced and dynamic Dental Assistant. Our ideal applicants are those who want to contribute to the achievement of quality care standards, as well as the growth and development of a VA academic hospital program. The Dental Assistant provides quality patient care in collaboration with other health care professionals. The selectee will perform specific duties within his/her approved scope of practice.

Duties

Other duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assists dentist with direct patient care
• Performs clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision

Customer Service

• Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers, and the public
• Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, and provides service recovery

Chairside Assisting

• Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure, and cleans dental unit for timely turnover
• Passes instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently
• Keeps operative field clear of debris, and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably
• Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions
• Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols
• Assists in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four-handed dentistry
• Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant placement, and restoration
• Maintains both routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer's instructions and dental service standards

Dental Imaging

• Exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e. TMJ, ceph, cone beam) in traditional and/or digital formats
• Modifies settings to achieve the images as requested by the provider
• Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented, and exposed
• Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized and retakes are minimized
• Imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame

Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization

• Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatories
• Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images
• Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination
• Prepares instruments properly for transfer to SPD for sterilization
• Follows all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical Equipment
• Works closely with SPD to ensure availability of instruments so that clinical care is not delayed

Clerical Functions

• Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments
• Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records
• Initiates computerized progress note

Information Management

• Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA compliance with written and verbal information
• Follows computer security regulations

Patient Safety

• Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position)
• Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients
• Participates in patient identification and time out, per Joint Commission requirements
• Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress

Employee Education

• Complies with Employee Education requirements
• Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions

Dental Laboratory Functions

• Pours impressions and prepares study models
• Makes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rims
• Fabricates athletic mouth guards and bleaching trays
• Performs other dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allow

Direct Patient Care

• Monitors patient vital signs (BP, pulse, pulse oximeter) and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery period following procedure
• Applies topical anesthetic at the injection site
• Applies topical fluoride
• Makes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication
• Removes plaque and soft debris from removable prostheses
• Provides patient preventative education and oral hygiene instruction
• Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Note: Work schedules are determined and approved by the supervisor. The incumbent may be required to work various shifts on a permanent or temporary basis based on facility/patient care needs).

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus):

Not Authorized

Telework

Not Available

Virtual

This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #

71183F, 71182F, 71183F &70192F

Permanent Change of Station (PCS):

Not Authorized