Dental Assistant(Fee Basis)

Job Title

Staff Dental Assistant

Job Description

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Dental assistants at this level serve as staff dental assistants at the full performance level for more routine patient care and perform some complex patient procedures under general supervision of more experienced dental assistants or dental supervisor. The dental assistant assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision.

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. Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination. Properly prepares instruments 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. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images.

Clerical Functions

Assists patients in scheduling appointments. This includes clerical functions such as receiving and making telephone calls, scheduling appointments from RTC orders, and entering RTC orders when necessary. Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments. Assist dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records.

Information Management

Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA 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. Provides postoperative and other appropriate patient education.

Rate of Pay and Work Schedule

Rate is set per unit, unit is equivalent to the initial set up and preparation of a dental treatment room, support to the Dentist during procedure, and RMD disassembly, pre-treatment, and transport. Per unit rate is determined to be $35.00. An annual limitation of pay for services is limited to $70,000. (NTE) Not to Exceed two years appointment.

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus)

Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance)

Not Authorized

Telework

Not Available

Virtual

This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #

PD000000

Permanent Change of Station (PCS)

Not Authorized

US Department of Veterans Affairs