Temporary Dental Assistant - Clinical and Administrative (Grant-Funded)

City of San Antonio • Tx 78220, TX

11d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for beginning level technical dental work and routine clerical work. The Dental Assistant will assist the Public Health Dentist during examinations and treatment of patients, including maintaining records and organization of the treatment area. This is a temporary, grant-funded position with no disciplinary appeal rights and is subject to at-will employment status. The role involves working in various locations across Bexar County and may expose the staff to infectious diseases, requiring compliance with OSHA regulations and immunization policies. The San Antonio Metro Health District (SAMHD) is committed to advancing health equity and expects staff to apply a health equity lens to their work.

Requirements

• High school diploma or a GED equivalent.
• A valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days after becoming a resident of the State of Texas.
• Must be a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
• Knowledge of comprehensive dental procedures and techniques.
• Knowledge of medical dental records preparation and maintenance.
• Knowledge of dental instruments and supplies and sterilization and disinfecting techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of dental and oral hygiene.
• Knowledge of infection control procedures and techniques.
• Skill in utilizing a personal computer and associated software programs.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to prepare and conduct oral hygiene presentations.
• Ability to assist the Public Health Dentist in routine and comprehensive dental procedures.
• Ability to conduct prescreening interviews with patients.
• Ability to develop and mount intraoral radiographic film.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff and the general public.
• Ability to perform basic office clerical functions, including maintaining patient health records.
• Ability to assist in general dental procedures.
• Ability to perform all the physical requirements of the position with or without accommodations.

Nice To Haves

• CPR certification highly desirable.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft office.

Responsibilities

• Sets up and breaks down portable dental equipment at school sites on a daily basis.
• Prepares for daily clinics; stocking and maintaining clinical supplies, office supplies, required forms and preparing goodie bags.
• Prepares patients by seating them and adjusting the dental chair, notes individual patient limitations and dental needs.
• Assist dentist with patient management.
• Charts and maintains accurate records of treatment administered.
• Administers fluoride varnish applications under the supervision of a dentist.
• Disinfects and prepares treatment area between patients.
• Carries out infection control and follows OSHA safety procedures.
• Assists families in finding additional resources for care.
• Collects and reports statistical data to Dental Division administrative staff.
• Enters patient treatment record into database.
• Maintains clinical inventory, prepares quarterly inventory report and prepares records for archiving.
• Prepares and conducts oral hygiene presentations.
• Performs related duties and fulfill responsibilities as required.

Benefits

• Compliance with all OSHA regulations and current immunization policies.
• Opportunity to apply a health equity lens to programs, services, and decision making.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED