Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) Advance

Tohono O'odham Nation Healthcare•Sells, AZ

About The Position

The Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) provides hands-on assistance to Dentists and completes preparatory work to support efficient patient care. Duties include sterilizing and organizing dental instruments, preparing patients and operatories, 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. Temporary relocation to other TONHC facilities may be required. The Dentist assigns work, which is reviewed in detail for accuracy and adherence to instructions and procedures. The role also includes patient reception and scheduling, clinical recordkeeping, radiography, dental laboratory procedures, restorative and periodontal support, patient education, and recurring reports. Employees contribute to a team effort and perform other job-related duties as assigned.

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 for taking diagnostic radiographs.
Knowledge of common dental disorders and conditions and the ability to perform intraoral procedures to treat them.
Knowledge of laboratory techniques sufficient to perform required dental 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 clinic procedures for receiving, routing, scheduling, and dismissing patients.
Knowledge of preventive dentistry sufficient to instruct patients in oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and dietary practices.
Knowledge of signs of syncope or other reactions to dental treatment.
Ability to comprehend and manage an Electronic Dental Record.
Manual dexterity in manipulating materials and instruments and performing intraoral procedures, including suture removal, dressing changes, and impressions.
Knowledge of basic dental terminology and recordkeeping procedures for 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, effective working relationships with employees and the general public.
Upon recommendation for hire, completion of a criminal background check and National FBI fingerprint check to determine employment suitability, 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 drive program vehicles, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements for 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, and maintain records.
Record patient medical history and chart examination and treatment information relayed by the Dentist.
Sterilize instruments, materials, and equipment; prepare surgical trays; and maintain dental equipment in clean, operative condition.
Prepare instruments, materials, patients, and operatories for treatment.
Remove supragingival tartar, deposits, accretion, 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 preventive dental care, common causes of decay, and the relationship between diet and dental health.
Record information for prescriptions, laboratory work orders, and other forms for the Dentist's signature; relay post-treatment instructions to patients.
Operate dental radiographic equipment to take intraoral and extraoral radiographs, and develop and mount films.
Present oral-health education and prevention 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.