Dental Assistants at this level serve as staff dental assistant at the full-performance level with the ability to perform a full range of duties and perform assigned selected procedures with some independence. They receive guidance from more experienced staff members for complex patient issues for which they require direct supervision and daily contract with the supervisor at the work site. Functions for this position include, but are not limited to: a. Customer Service Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public; Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery. b. Chair-Side Assisting Obtains and records basic medical (B.P., medications, etc.), dental (charting, missing teeth, caries, etc.) and dietary histories. Sets up operatory 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. Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, and periodontics. c. Dental Imaging 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. d. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory. Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards. Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images. e. Clerical Functions Assists patients in scheduling options in VistA to schedule and cancel appointments and enter no-shows. Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments. Assists dentist in charting findings, treatment plans, in patient records. The assistant stores dental supplies needed for all procedures done in the Dental Clinic. f. Information Management Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPPA with written and verbal information. Follows computer security regulations. g. 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. h. Employee Education Complies with Employee Education requirements. Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions. i. Dental Laboratory Pours impressions and prepare study models. Performs other dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allow. j. Direct Patient Care Remove sutures Impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication. Application of topical anesthetics, desensitizing agents and fluoride. Recement and fabricate temporary crowns. Places temporary fillings. Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required *************THIS IS A BARGAINING UNIT POSITION******************
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
