Dental Assistant

DutiesHelpFunctions: Duties listed in this section (a) comprise at least 25% of the clinical expanded function dental assistant's time.Performs mouth mirror inspection of the oral cavityGathers diagnostic informationPerforms pulp vitality testingCharts existing restoration and conditionsSelects shades for fixed and removable prosthesesPlaces and removes rubber dams and matrix bandsPlaces and removes retraction cordPlaces and removes intracoronal temporary restorationRemoves temporary crown/bridge and clean tooth preparation of debrisFabricates, adjusts and cements temporary crownsRemoves permanent cement from supragingival surfacesRemoves suturesPlaces and removes surgical dressingsMonitors nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesicPerforms coronal polishing of teethRemoves hard accretions from and polishes removable prostheses Customer Service Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the publicProvides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery Chairside Assisting Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnoverKeeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortablyAssists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant placement and restoration Dental Imaging Exposes 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 exposed Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatoriesDisinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contaminationFollows all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical Equipment Clerical Functions Assists 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 records. Information Management Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal informationFollows computer security regulations Patient Safety Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position)Participates in patient identification and time out per Joint Commission requirementsMonitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress Employee Education Complies with Employee Education requirementsCompletes mandatory annual safety training sessions Dental Laboratory Functions Pours impressions and prepares study modelsMakes initial or preliminary denture impression.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 procedureApplies topical anesthetic at the injection siteApplies topical fluorideProvides patient preventative education and oral hygiene instructionProvides post-operative and other appropriate patient educationTotal Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule : 7am - 3:30pm, Monday through Friday 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 $416.66 . Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement # : 50256F