Dental Assistant

Dental AssistantTotal Rewards of an Allied Health Professional Functions at the full-performance level include, but are not limited to:Chairside AssistingSets up operatory 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 proceduresAssists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, and periodonticsDental ImagingImages 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 frameInfection Control and Equipment SterilizationDemonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatoriesInstruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standardsInstruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical careDemonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing imagesClerical FunctionsOrders and maintains equipment/supplies/medication required for patient treatmentAssists in training new employees on use of the computer and trains other staff as neededAssists medical support assistant (MSA) and dental secretary when administrative assistance requiredAssists patients and other dental staff in scheduling appointmentsAssists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointmentsAssists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient recordsServes as facility meeting dental representative when primary staff unable to leave patient care areaServes as Service Inspection tour guide if/when dental staff unable to leave patient care areaAnnual custodial duty for Service Equipment Inventory Listing (EIL)Maintains readily available and unexpired supplies in dental operatories, Dental Service supply room/Omnicell and remote sterile storage roomInformation ManagementMaintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal informationFollows computer security regulationsPatient SafetyModifies 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 JCAHO requirementsMonitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distressEmployee EducationComplies with Employee Education requirementsCompletes mandatory annual safety training sessionsDental Laboratory FunctionsPours impressions and prepares study modelsMakes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rimsPerforms other dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allowDirect Patient CareRemove suturesImpressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabricationRemove temporary crown/bridge and clean tooth preparation of debrisRecement and fabricate temporary crownsCoronal polishing of teethPlace rubber dams and matrix bandsProvides post-operative and other appropriate patient educationWork Schedule: 0700--1630, Monday - Thursday; 0700--1530, Friday; alternate Fridays offCompressed/Flexible: AvailableRecruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not AuthorizedPermanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not AuthorizedPay: Competitive salary and regular salary increasesPaid 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 $416.66.Retirement: 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)Telework: Not AvailableVirtual: This is not a virtual position.Functional Statement #: Dental AssistantThis is a bargaining unit position.