Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant

Dental Assistants perform assigned selected procedures. Some complex patient care procedures are performed under the direct or indirect supervision of more experienced dental assistants, independent dental care providers (dentists, dental specialists) or hygienists. Duties and responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Assists dentists, dental specialists and/or hygienists in direct patient care and performs other clinical, laboratory, and clerical/administrative functions as assigned with direct or indirect supervision.
• Sets up the dental treatment area/surgical suite for planned dental/surgical treatment procedures prior and during patient care encounters.
• Cleans and disinfect treatment areas following patient care to facilitate timely treatment area turnover.
• Escorts patients from the waiting area to the treatment area at the beginning of an appointment and from the treatment area to the waiting area following an appointment as needed.
• Passes instruments safely, accurately and efficiently to facilitate safe, efficient, and effective patient care.
• Keeps the operative field clear of debris and retracts oral soft tissues effectively to facilitate comfortable patient care for respective patients.
• Stocks, cleans and disinfects the dental treatment area.
• Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
• Assists dental provider accomplish clinical exams, radiographic exams, and dental treatment in accordance with CDC, VI-IA, VISN 10, Cincinnati VAMC facility and Dental Service infection control policies.
• Competent in four-handed dentistry for general dental procedures.
• Competent to assist in specialty dental care (dental hygiene, periodontics, endodontics, prosthetics, implantology (surgery and restorative) and oral surgery).
• Competent in exposure of diagnostic quality standard and specialty radiographic images in traditional and/or digital formats. This includes but is not limited to (I) periapical radiograph, (2) bitewing radiograph, (3) panoramic/panorex radiograph, (4) CT image, (5) TMJ image, (6) occlusal radiograph, (7) Waters View image, (8) Reverse Townes image, and (9) buccal-object rule images (or as Dental Service radiographic capability allows).
• Performs disinfection of non-critical items and environmental surfaces in accordance with CDC, VHA, VISN 10, Cincinnati VA Medical Center facility and Dental Service policies.
• Performs other clerical/administrative tasks as may be assigned on an as needed basis.
• Competently pours impressions, prepares study models, and trims study models to meet the needs of the provider(s).
• Fabricates custom impression trays to meet the needs of the provider(s).
• Fabricates bite rims to meet the needs of the provider(s).
• Performs other assigned laboratory duties as time and competency allows.
• Interacts with patients in accord with standards for age-specific care including knowledge of changes associated with aging and principles of growth and development relevant to the adult and geriatric age groups.
• Competent in patient assessment and the interpretation of data about the patient's status in the dental treatment setting.
• Posses the ability to identify age-specific needs and, under the direct supervision of the provider(s), is able to provide appropriate care based on the age related factors noted.
• Works in a manner which demonstrates sensitivity to and accommodations for the special needs of all patients with respect to age, developmental requirements, and cultural diversity.

Work Schedule: Compressed Tour: Monday-Thursday, 6:30am- 4:00pm, Friday 6:30am-3:00pm; every other Friday off.

Compressed/Flexible: Available.

Telework: Not Available.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 92637-0.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized