Dental Assistant

Job Title

Major duties but not limited to:

The assistant is responsible to appoint the patient, maintain proper infection control techniques, and follow radiation safety procedures. Preventative maintenance procedures for digital X-rays equipment and exposing good diagnostic quality images with minimal radiation exposure to patients are fundamental to VA healthcare. Review that prophylactic antibiotics were taken by patients prior to treatment and verify the time of day it was administered. Ask patient if there are any changes in medications and or medical conditions since last appointment. Inform of any changes to the primary dentist to document in electronic medical record. Take vital signs on patients before procedure starts and document it for provider. Prepares consent forms for any surgical procedures. All dental assistants should be familiar with expanded dental assisting functions. Some examples include; Open computerized medical record & X-rays on screen in operatory prior to dentist entering operatory. Maintain clean field of operation. During post operative care, remove sutures, dispense gauze and mouth rinses as prescribed by dentist. in computer. Give pre and post op instruction to patients after treatment is completed. Breakdown operatory after procedure completed. Follow proper reusable medical equipment protocols for cleaning and disinfecting dental equipment. Dispense any educational materials and/or supplies patient may need. Inventory supply levels. Maintain required 40 hours of continuing education. Perform assigned detailed duties. Some examples are as follows:

• Code cart pre-maintenance
• Glucose pre-maintenance
• Awards committee

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm

Telework: Not Authorized

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 41717F

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized