Dental Assistant

International Health and Medical Services•El Paso, TX

12d

About The Position

This position is contingent upon award International Health and Medical Services is looking for an experienced Dental Assistant to perform supportive dental functions that facilitate the work of the dentist and dental hygienist including aiding at chairside, instrument processing, sterilization, infection control, radiographic tasks, dental equipment care, and administrative chores as directed by the dentist within prescribed policy and accreditation standards. Provides dental assisting including clinical and administrative duties to facilitate the work of the dentist and dental hygienist in a detention and/or residential setting in accordance with prescribed IHSC policy and pertinent accreditation standards. Assists the dentist and dental hygienist with patient treatment including all operatory set-up and clean-up procedures in accordance with IHSC policy and CDC guidelines (e.g. surface disinfection, waterline and suction treatment, proper sharps handling/disposal methods, etc). Performs optimum sterilization and/or disinfection procedures including instrument processing, autoclave operation/maintenance, and spore testing in accordance with IHSC policy and CDC guidelines. Assists with the maintenance of patient's record through appointment scheduling, documentation of subjective findings, vital signs, dictated oral conditions, and preparation/completion of dental forms. Provides patient education including oral hygiene instructions, post-operative instructions, and availability of care instructions. Takes digital and/or film radiographs as ordered including bitewing, periapical, and panoramic x-rays. Observes IHSC radiation safety protocols, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Radiation Protection Guidance and recommendations, National Council on Radiation Protection Guidance, and American Dental Association recommendations/guidance when exposing dental radiographs to assure optimal patient and provider safety. Maintains sharps and instrument accountability in the dental clinic through performance and logging of daily inventory of all sharps and instruments at the beginning and end of each workday. Maintains all required logs/ inventories to include but not limited to biological monitoring log, biopsy log, sharps log, instrument log, chemical inventory, maintenance logs, etc. Collects and organizes dental data and submits to the regional dental consultant in a timely manner. Attends monthly dental teleconferences, organizational and local duty station meetings. May periodically be asked to travel to support dental care at other sites. Performs duties in support of the local medical unit and/or IHSC Dental Program (e.g. equipment maintenance, supply/equipment acquisition, performance improvement initiatives, document scanning, etc). In the absence of the dentist and/or dental hygienist, the dental assistant will provide support services to the medical clinic under the direction of the supervisory authority or designee (e.g. performing vital signs and/or other duties within the scope of dental assistant practice). Adheres to and maintains awareness of all IHSC policies, procedures, directives, operational memoranda and accreditation standards. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in all communications with coworkers and clients, fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment that values diversity. Complete required organizational compliance education, including assigned requirements that are client-specified, for Joint Commission Healthcare Staffing Services certification or other regulatory bodies. This list is non-exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake additional duties that are not specifically listed above.

Requirements

Must hold and maintain a current unrestricted dental assisting certificate, license, or registration as required by the State Board of Dental Examiners (SBDE) in the state where services are performed.
Must hold and maintain dental x-ray certification as required by the SBDE in any State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia during the term of employment OR if the applicant practices in a state that does not certify radiology or does not allow certification for graduates of non-accredited programs, the applicant must submit evidence of dental radiology training, experience, and competence as determined by the employing agency.
Basic Life Support (BLS) required. If not American Heart Association (AHA) certified, must be within first year.
Applicant must demonstrate successful completion of a dental assisting program located in the United States, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory.
Applicant must have at least one-year recent clinical experience in the United Sates as a practicing dental assistant.
Strong oral and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Critical thinking skills.
Cultural competency.
Integrity and honesty.
Knowledge and understanding of dental assisting principles such as four handed dentistry, basic oral anatomy, dental materials, infection control, dental radiology technique and safety.
Must adhere to requirements for safety, infection control, quality assurance, documentation, and data management.
Completes and passes all competency testing initially, annually, and as needed.
Completes all initial, annual and ad hoc training as required/assigned.
Ability to properly use equipment, materials and supplies in diagnostic and treatment procedures.
Ability to communicate proficiently in English (verbal and written).
Ability to respond to and assist with medical emergencies.
Ability to work in a multi-cultural and multi-lingual environment.
Ability to adapt to sudden changes in schedules and flexibility in work requirements.
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships in a multidisciplinary environment
Ability to navigate in an electronic work environment including electronic health records, web-based training and communications.
Knowledge of, and moderate proficiency in, common Microsoft Office programs, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and SharePoint.
Knowledge of regulations on the confidentiality of medical records and information (HIPAA/Privacy Act) and applicable accreditation standards.
Required to walk unaided at a normal pace for up to 5 minutes and maintain balance.
Required to jog/fast walk up to ¼ mile.
Requires physical exertion such as lifting objects greater than 30 pounds.
Required to perform CPR/emergency care standing or kneeling.
Must have the ability to assist sick, injured, or aging patients or staff exiting the building (may require lifting, dragging, wheeling, or carrying someone who weighs significantly more than self).
Must be able to see, hear and smell with aids if necessary.
Must be able to lift, push, or carry 30 pounds.
Must perform the duties of my job in a stressful and often austere environment without physical limitations.
Sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time.
Average manual dexterity for computer operation.
Phone or computer use for extended periods of time.
Must maintain current/physical residency in the continental U.S.
Pass a medical examination conducted by a licensed physician within 30 days prior to initial assignment.
U.S. citizen that has resided in the U.S. for the last five years (unless abroad on official U.S. government duty).
Successfully engage in and complete a thorough Background Investigation.
Poses or have ability to obtain required security clearances.

Nice To Haves

Dental Assistant National Board (DANB) certification is preferred but not required.
Experience in a detention/correctional or residential healthcare setting (preferred, not required).
Proficiency in Spanish is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides dental assisting including clinical and administrative duties to facilitate the work of the dentist and dental hygienist in a detention and/or residential setting in accordance with prescribed IHSC policy and pertinent accreditation standards.
Assists the dentist and dental hygienist with patient treatment including all operatory set-up and clean-up procedures in accordance with IHSC policy and CDC guidelines (e.g. surface disinfection, waterline and suction treatment, proper sharps handling/disposal methods, etc).
Performs optimum sterilization and/or disinfection procedures including instrument processing, autoclave operation/maintenance, and spore testing in accordance with IHSC policy and CDC guidelines.
Assists with the maintenance of patient's record through appointment scheduling, documentation of subjective findings, vital signs, dictated oral conditions, and preparation/completion of dental forms.
Provides patient education including oral hygiene instructions, post-operative instructions, and availability of care instructions.
Takes digital and/or film radiographs as ordered including bitewing, periapical, and panoramic x-rays.
Observes IHSC radiation safety protocols, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Radiation Protection Guidance and recommendations, National Council on Radiation Protection Guidance, and American Dental Association recommendations/guidance when exposing dental radiographs to assure optimal patient and provider safety.
Maintains sharps and instrument accountability in the dental clinic through performance and logging of daily inventory of all sharps and instruments at the beginning and end of each workday.
Maintains all required logs/ inventories to include but not limited to biological monitoring log, biopsy log, sharps log, instrument log, chemical inventory, maintenance logs, etc.
Collects and organizes dental data and submits to the regional dental consultant in a timely manner.
Attends monthly dental teleconferences, organizational and local duty station meetings.
May periodically be asked to travel to support dental care at other sites.
Performs duties in support of the local medical unit and/or IHSC Dental Program (e.g. equipment maintenance, supply/equipment acquisition, performance improvement initiatives, document scanning, etc).
In the absence of the dentist and/or dental hygienist, the dental assistant will provide support services to the medical clinic under the direction of the supervisory authority or designee (e.g. performing vital signs and/or other duties within the scope of dental assistant practice).
Adheres to and maintains awareness of all IHSC policies, procedures, directives, operational memoranda and accreditation standards.
Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in all communications with coworkers and clients, fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment that values diversity.
Complete required organizational compliance education, including assigned requirements that are client-specified, for Joint Commission Healthcare Staffing Services certification or other regulatory bodies.