Dental Assistant II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Wichita Falls, TX

7d•$3,095 - $4,595•Onsite

About The Position

The Dental Assistant II performs highly complex, senior-level dental assistant work under the supervision of a dentist, with considerable latitude to use initiative and independent judgment. The role assists the dentist and other dental staff with dental services, including chairside assistance, instrument preparation and sterilization, dental x-rays, supply and inventory management, and accurate documentation of examinations and procedures. It also schedules in-house and outside dental appointments in accordance with agency policy, maintains the cleanliness and orderliness of the dental clinic, and reports concerns such as broken equipment or practices. The position may train others and may cover for the other Dental Assistant II in Vernon, which may require travel there. The position is based at Wichita Falls State Hospital and works Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Travel may be up to 15%. The role may also require flexibility in work hours, overtime or extended hours, rotating or alternate shifts, on-call service, and work at an alternate location for operational needs, disaster response, or continuity of operations. Employees must maintain required competencies and training, including TIPS and CPR, and comply with applicable immunization policies.

Requirements

Must be registered with the State of Texas Board of Dental Examiners and have x-ray certification.
Must have completed a TSBDE-approved dental assistant registration course and passed the Texas Jurisprudence Assessment, or hold a national DANB CDA certification.
Knowledge of oral and dental anatomy and fundamentals of physiology.
Knowledge of dental instruments, equipment, materials and their uses; sterilization methods; dental x-ray equipment, techniques and procedures; dental terminology; hygiene; and prophylaxis.
Skill in using dental tools and equipment, sterilizing equipment, and obtaining dental x-rays.
Ability to assist dentists and other dental staff with dental procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with staff and patients from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to train others, document accurately, and collect accurate dental data.
Must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
Must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and applicable registry checks.
Must comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations.
Must provide I-9 documentation on the first day of work.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from a recognized and accredited school for dental assistants or a program approved by the Texas Board of Dental Examiners is generally preferred.
Experience as a dental assistant is preferred.
Experience working with special-needs patients is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist the dentist at chairside during dental procedures and prepare dental operatories.
Oversee dental supply inventory and order and maintain supplies needed for patient treatment.
Clean instruments and the treatment area after procedures, following infection-control standards and policies.
Obtain dental x-rays as ordered by the dentist, using safety protocols and accurate patient positioning to optimize images and limit retakes.
Apply infection-control techniques before and after procedures and during dental instrument processing and sterilization.
Record dental examination findings on designated forms and accurately document patient visits, treatment, consultation scheduling, and reasons for missed appointments in the electronic record.
Provide dental health education to patients and instruct direct care staff on teaching patients good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing.
Schedule in-house dental appointments and appointments with outside consulting dentists or specialists in accordance with the agency referral and consultation process.
Maintain compliance with policies and procedures for dental examinations and assessments.
Maintain required agency competencies and trainings, including TIPS and CPR.
Maintain clinic cleanliness and orderliness and report concerns, including broken equipment or practices.
Train others as needed.
Cover for the other Dental Assistant II in Vernon when that employee is off, including travel to Vernon if required.
Participate in agency disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities as assigned; this may involve alternate shifts or locations.
Perform other duties as assigned.