Dental Assistant

Job Title

Dental Assistant

Job Description

James A. Haley VA Medical Center Dental Service is seeking an experienced and dynamic Dental Assistant to serve at the New Port Richey VA Clinic, in New Port Richey, FL. 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

Assists dentist with direct patient care

Performs clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision

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

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

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

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

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

Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA compliance with written and verbal information

Follows computer security regulations

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

Complies with Employee Education requirements

Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions

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

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

4 Day 10 hour Shifts, 6:30 AM - 5:00 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 #

70192F

Permanent Change of Station (PCS):

Not Authorized

US Department of Veterans Affairs