Dental Assistant II

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job

• Greets, seats and prepares patient in appropriate treatment operatory.
• Prepares operatory in advance of appointment including instruments, radiographs, hand pieces, charts & supplies according to specialty.
• Aids at chair-side using 4-handed techniques.
• Travels with providers to provide coverage at other clinics.
• Cleans, prepares, and maintains operatories, labs, central sterilization and tray set up area.
• Prepares & maintains trays, tubs, instrument packs, mobile carts and supplies in an organized and uniform manner.
• Fluently anticipates provider needs to streamline clinic and appointment flow.
• Helps mentor DA trainees and new employees.

Shift Details

• 4 10-hour shifts per week

Infection Control

• Follows proper infection control protocol emphasizing universal precautions as specified in Section VII of the Oral Health Program Guide for the Indian Health Service.
• Disinfects dental treatment rooms.
• Performs instrument cleaning, sterilization/disinfection, and recirculation.
• Radiographs: Properly exposes, develops and mounts radiographs demonstrating radiological competency according to the I.H.S. Radiological Health and Safety Dental Program Manual.

Prevention

• Working knowledge of proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques.
• Provides age-appropriate recommendations on topical fluorides.
• Delivers topical fluoride and antimicrobial treatments, applies sealants and upon certification; coronal polishing.

Professional Behavior

• Displays courteous and professional behavior.
• Maintains a professional appearance.

Other Functions

• Accompanies dentist on village field trips throughout the year.
• In the absence of the receptionist, answers the telephone, directs calls, takes messages, manages appointment book, and maintains patient flow.
• Maintains and improves professional skills and knowledge.
• Attends dental staff meetings as scheduled.
• Participates in clinic Q.I. program including dental chart audits, maintenance of autoclave records.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Certifications, And Licenses Required

• High school diploma or equivalent - required
• BLS certification within 90 days of hire - required
• Certificate of Completion of a Dental Assistant Training - preferred
• Dental Assistant 2 Clinical Competency within 3 months of hire and every 3 years - required.
• Indian Health Service Radiology Certification within 3 months of hire and every year - required.
• Sterile Processing Competency Assessment within 6 months of hire and every year - required.
• High Risk Competency within 3 months of hire and every - required.

Experience Required

• 1 year of Dental Assistant Experience
• Is cross trained on teh basics of another specialty

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of: Chairside Dental Assisting.
• Dental Radiology.
• Infection Control.
• Skills In Strong oral & written communication skills.
• Advanced levels of hand & eye coordination skills.
• Working level of organizational skills.