Dental Assistant B

DHRM•Prince George, VA

18d

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Health is seeking a Dental Assistant to support its mobile, school-based preventive dental services program. The position helps improve children’s oral health by delivering services in schools and community settings. The Dental Assistant works with a licensed Dental Hygienist in a local health district and supports administrative and educational outreach efforts. In community settings, the role includes setting up, breaking down, and maintaining portable dental equipment; reviewing patient forms and documents; assisting with patient management and oral screenings; recording screening findings; and helping deliver preventive services, including dental sealants and fluoride varnish, using four-handed dental techniques. The Dental Assistant also cleans and disinfects clinical areas and equipment and sterilizes instruments according to agency policy, protocols, and applicable OSHA laws and guidelines. Administrative and community education duties include maintaining supply inventory; managing patient records in compliance with HIPAA and applicable laws and regulations; educating children and parents individually, in groups, and at events; promoting the dental program; and coordinating referrals with local public and private dentists for children who need treatment. This is an hourly-wage position with no benefits and is limited to 1,500 hours per year.

Requirements

Knowledge of dentistry techniques and procedures and use of standard equipment.
Experience working on a team.
Experience working with a dentist or dental hygienist providing four-handed dental services.

Nice To Haves

Infection control experience.
Successful completion of an educational program and certification as a dental assistant.
Prior experience successfully working with children in a dental practice.

Responsibilities

Set up, break down, and maintain portable dental equipment in community settings.
Review patient forms and documents and assist with patient management.
Assist with oral screenings and record findings.
Assist with preventive services, including dental sealants and fluoride varnish, using four-handed dental techniques.
Clean and disinfect clinical areas and equipment and sterilize dental instruments in accordance with agency policies, protocols, and relevant OSHA requirements.
Maintain inventory of supplies.
Manage and maintain patient records in compliance with HIPAA and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
Educate children and parents individually, in group settings, and at events.
Promote the dental program.
Coordinate referrals for children with treatment needs with local public and private dentists.