Dental Assistant

Department of Veterans Affairs•Portland, OR

36d•Onsite

About The Position

Serves as staff dental assistant for routine patient care and with indirect supervision from the lead or supervisory dental assistant or the treating dentist. Direct supervision is given for any complex patient procedures from more experienced dental assistants, lead dental assistant, supervisory dental assistant, or the treating dentist. Performs assigned selected procedures with some independence. Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Passes instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably. 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 using concepts of four-handed dentistry. Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant placement and restoration with guidance from more experienced Dental Assistants (including Lead and/or Supervisory Dental Assistants). Maintains both routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental service standards. Exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e. TMJ, ceph, cone beam) in traditional and/or digital formats. Modifies settings to achieve the images as requested by the provider 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. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatories. Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination. Properly prepares instruments for transfer to SPD for sterilization. Follows all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical Equipment. Works closely with SPD to ensure availability of instruments so that clinical care is not delayed. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images. Utilizes all proper PPE per national and local policies. Follows all hospital infection control protocols including hand hygiene. Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments Initiates computerized progress note.

Responsibilities

Serves as staff dental assistant for routine patient care and with indirect supervision from the lead or supervisory dental assistant or the treating dentist.
Performs assigned selected procedures with some independence.
Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover.
Passes instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably.
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 using concepts of four-handed dentistry.
Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant placement and restoration with guidance from more experienced Dental Assistants (including Lead and/or Supervisory Dental Assistants).
Maintains both routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental service standards.
Exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e. TMJ, ceph, cone beam) in traditional and/or digital formats.
Modifies settings to achieve the images as requested by the provider Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized.
Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatories.
Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination.
Properly prepares instruments for transfer to SPD for sterilization.
Follows all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical Equipment.
Works closely with SPD to ensure availability of instruments so that clinical care is not delayed.
Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images.
Utilizes all proper PPE per national and local policies.
Follows all hospital infection control protocols including hand hygiene.
Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments Initiates computerized progress note.