Dental Assistant

Department of Veterans Affairs•Fargo, ND

65d•Onsite

About The Position

Incumbent performs chairside dental assistant duties in all phases of restorative, prosthodontic, surgical, endodontic, and periodontal treatment as provided in the dental clinic or operating room. The employee operates dental X-ray equipment to take intra- and extra-oral radiographs. The employee also assists in training students from affiliated schools, observing an advising them as they perform their duties. Duties include but are not limited to the following:

Responsibilities

Chairside Assisting
Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure with minimum of interruption after procedure begins
Cleans operatory/equipment for timely turnover
Passes instruments to and from the dentist safely, accurately, and efficiently
Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably for the patient
Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols Assists in routine general dental procedures
Record patient vital signs
Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, prosthodontics and periodontics
Assists dentist/hygienist with on-ward dental examinations Assists the other assistants with their duties
Assists dental hygienist and student hygienists as time permits and as required
Supervises, trains and evaluates student dental assistants while maintaining treatment flow
Maintains room materials inventory in assigned room, and other rooms as needed
Follows standardized room set-up and supply stocking arrangement to facilitate any other team assistant using the room without need to hunt for supplies
Dental Imaging
Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed
Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized
Imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame
Digital image security is maintained
Infection Control and Equipment Reprocessing
Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatories and equipment???????
Demonstrates proper radiography infection control procedures
Clinic Support
Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments
Confirms patient appointments
Answers telephone courteously and professionally
Patient Safety
Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position)
Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical stress
Dental Laboratory Functions
Pours impressions and prepares study models
Operates and maintains 30 printers, milling machines, and scanners
Other duties as assigned