Dental Assistant

Allied Health Professional DutiesHelp. Total rewards of an Allied Health Professional duties include but are not limited to:Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnoverPasses instruments safely, accurately, and efficientlyKeeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortablyPrepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructionsAccomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocolsAssists in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four-handed dentistryAssists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant placement and restorationMaintains both routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental service standardsExposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e. TMJ, ceph, cone beam) in traditional and/or digital formatsModifies settings to achieve the images as requested by the providerImages are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposedDental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimizedImaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frameDemonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatoriesDisinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contaminationProperly prepares instruments for transfer to SPD for sterilizationFollows all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical EquipmentWorks closely with SPD to ensure availability of instruments so that clinical care is not delayedDemonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing imagesAssists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointmentsInitiates computerized progress noteAssists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient recordsAssists in clerical scheduling functionsModifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position)Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patientsParticipates in patient identification and time out per Joint Commission requirementsMonitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distressPours impressions and prepares study modelsMakes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rimsFabricates athletic mouth guards and bleaching traysPerforms other dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allowMonitors patient vital signs (BP, pulse, pulse oximeter) and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery period following procedureApplies topical anesthetic at the injection siteApplies topical fluorideMakes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabricationRemoves plaque and soft debris from removable prosthesesProvides patient preventative education and oral hygiene instructionProvides post-operative and other appropriate patient educationShows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the publicProvides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recoveryMaintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal informationModifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position)Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patientsParticipates in patient identification and time out per Joint Commission requirementsWork Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pmRecruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Maybe authorized for highly qualified applicants.Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VAInsurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)Functional Statement #: 21261-A