Dental Assistant

Summary

Incumbent will serve as part of the Specialty Care Service with the VA Prescott - AZ Healthcare System. The dental assistant serves as a supporting member of the dental care team performing a full range of duties with some independence in assigned specialties - with indirect supervision from the lead dental assistant or treating dentist. She/he complies with guidelines and policies set forth by the Specialty Care Service - NAVAHCS - VHA policy - and VA statutes and policy.

Duties

• Major duties include - but are not limited to: Perform routine and specialty dental care
• Assists in complex procedures in specialty dentistry under general supervision
• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of instruments - materials - and standardized dental procedures in the specialty areas of oral surgery - endodontics - and implant dentistry Assist the Dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision
• Provide assistance to customers regarding any questions or concerns - providing service recovery as needed
• 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
• Accomplish all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols
• Assists in specialized dental procedures - such as oral surgery - endodontics - periodontics - and dental implants
• Prepares for and assists in Operating Room when necessary - observing Operating Room protocols
• Dental Imaging - Images are characterized by diagnostic quality accurately oriented and exposed
• Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized - and retakes are minimized
• Complete Imaging requests within the desired time frame
• Use proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories
• Assists patients in scheduling appointments in compliance with scheduling processes and procedures
• 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
• Monitors patient condition during treatment - being alert for signs of physical distress
• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: 7:30am- 4pm Monday- Friday Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not authorized