Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) Advance

Tohono O•San Simon, AZ

About The Position

The Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) provides hands-on assistance to Dentists and prepares for patient care, including sterilizing and organizing dental instruments and assisting during dental procedures. The position is within TONHC and may be organizationally located and duty stationed at a hospital or clinic in Sells, Santa Rosa, San Simon, or Tucson, Arizona. The role may require temporary relocation to Sells Hospital, Santa Rosa Health Center, San Simon Health Center, or San Xavier Health Center. The Dentist assigns work, which is reviewed in detail for accuracy and adherence to instructions and procedures. The position supports general dentistry through chairside assistance, patient reception and scheduling, recordkeeping, instrument and operatory preparation, dental procedures, radiography, laboratory work, and patient education. It also maintains recurring reports and contributes to team efforts and other assigned duties.

Requirements

High school diploma or General Education Diploma.
Two years of work experience as a Dental Assistant or equivalent.
Dental Assistant Radiography certification.
Knowledge of Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and tribal laws and regulations.
Knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in general dentistry, including restorative, prosthodontic, oral surgical, endodontic, and periodontal treatment.
Knowledge of dental anatomy and head and neck bony structures sufficient to take diagnostic radiographs.
Knowledge or ability to recognize common dental disorders and conditions, such as inflamed tissue and tooth decay, and perform intra-oral procedures to treat them.
Knowledge of laboratory techniques sufficient to perform required laboratory procedures.
Knowledge and skill in clinic scheduling, typing, supply ordering, and data gathering.
Skill in operating and adjusting dental radiographic equipment.
Knowledge of the use, care, and storage of dental equipment, materials, and instruments, and of sterilization techniques.
Knowledge of dental clinic procedures for receiving, routing, scheduling, and dismissing patients.
Knowledge of preventive dentistry sufficient to instruct patients in oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and dietary suggestions.
Knowledge and skill in detecting signs of syncope or other reactions to dental treatment.
Ability to comprehend and manage an Electronic Dental Record.
Manual skill and dexterity to manipulate materials and instruments, remove sutures intra-orally, change dressings, take impressions, and perform other procedures.
Knowledge of basic dental terminology and recordkeeping procedures for entering information in patient records.
Knowledge of HIPAA-related rules and regulations.
Skill in providing superior customer service to internal and external customers.
Compassion and good communication skills.
Ability to maintain privileged and confidential information.
Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with employees and the general public.
Upon recommendation for hire, complete a criminal background check and National FBI fingerprint check to determine suitability for employment, including a 39-month driving record.
May be required to possess and maintain a valid driver's license, with no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years.
If required to operate program vehicles, meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit.
Depending on department needs, may be required to demonstrate fluency in both Tohono O'odham and English as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Dental Assistant certificate.
Expanded Function Restorative certificate.
Expanded Function Periodontics certificate.

Responsibilities

Provide chairside assistance to the Dentist during all phases of general dental treatment.
Greet patients, schedule appointments, maintain records, and record patient medical history and examination and treatment information as relayed by the Dentist.
Sterilize instruments, materials, and equipment; prepare surgical trays; and keep dental equipment clean and operational.
Prepare and arrange instruments and materials for treatment and prepare the patient and operatory.
Remove supragingival tartar, deposits, accretions, and stains using hand and mechanized instruments.
Take preliminary impressions, modify impression trays, pour and trim models, and construct custom impression trays, base plates, and bite rims; make temporary bridges and crowns.
As directed by the Dentist, remove sutures; apply topical anesthesia, desensitizing agents, medications, and surgical gauze following extractions; and apply or remove periodontal or other sedative dressings.
Restore teeth prepared by the Dentist, place cavity bases and liners, and perform other restorative work.
Provide age-appropriate instruction on preventative dental care, common causes of decay, and the relationship between diet and dental health.
Record information provided by the Dentist on prescriptions, laboratory work orders, and other forms for the Dentist's signature; relay post-treatment care instructions to patients.
Operate dental radiographic equipment to take intra- and extra-oral radiographs, and develop and mount films.
Present oral health education talks, demonstrations, and visual aids to patients, hospital staff, and community members.
Maintain recurring reports related to dental activities.
Contribute to a team effort and perform other job-related duties as assigned.