Dental Assistant II

Brief Job Description

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. Your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Daily assisting Dental Director, Clinical Dentist as well as Dental Hygienists at the Dental chair side with dental instruments and materials for residents at the El Paso State Supported Living Center (EPSSLC).
• Exposure and development of radiographs as ordered by the Dental Director or Clinical Dentist.
• Maintains updated infection control standards in the Dental Clinic at the SSLC.
• Arranges Dental Instruments for Treatment of residents according to procedure type.
• Instructs Staff and Individuals at SSLC on proper daily oral hygiene.
• Maintains Dental Supply Inventories for the Dental Clinic.
• Schedule Dental Appointments for the residents.
• Enters Data for each appointment.
• Assists with Desensitization for the residents as required by Dental Director.
• Assists Individual into Dental Clinic and Dental Chair as needed.
• Provide treatment of HHS employees injured in the course and scope of employment.
• Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of dental instruments, equipment, and materials and their uses; of sterilization methods; of x-ray film exposure and processing techniques; of dental terminology; and of oral hygiene instruction for patients and care givers.
• Skill in the use of dental instruments and equipment.
• Ability to assist staff in performing dental procedures; to communicate effectively; and to train others.
• Ability to provide clerical skills necessary for patient management.
• Ability to use computers and office management software.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

• Must be a “Registered Dental Assistant” as defined by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners; Registered Dental Assistants must take and pass one of the Dental Board-approved courses for Dental Assistants that covers Jurisprudence, Infection Control and Radiology and must register with the Dental Board.
• Preferred: Certified Dental Assistants as defined by the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB) who are Career School Graduates or meet this standard by qualified experience.

Initial Screening Criteria

• Must be a high school graduate or equivalent; successful higher education preferred.
• Preferred: Certified Dental Assistants as defined by the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB) who are Career School Graduates or meet this standard by qualified experience.

Additional Information

• Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/ Entities (LEIE).
• Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.
• Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.
• All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
• Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
• Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.
• ADA Accommodations: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
• Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility: Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form
• Telework Disclaimer: This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.