Dental Assistant, Skyline Dental Office (30hrs, Days)

About the role

Provide direct support to dentists, hygienists, denturists, and other provider personnel in the delivery of dental care and service within a Kaiser Permanente dental office.

Responsibilities

• Perform duties permitted a dental assistant consistent with individual training and in the presence of or under the observation of a licensed provider as referenced in State Dental Practice Act and related Administrative Rules, including:
  • Apply topical anesthetic and desensitizing agents, as directed by the provider.
  • Remove sutures and post-extraction and periodontal dressings.
  • Retract a patient’s cheek, tongue, or other tissue during an operation.
  • Assist in the placement or removal of a rubber dam.
  • Remove debris created during operative procedures with a vacuum device, compressed air, mouth washes, or water.
  • Perform extra-oral procedures which are not hazardous.
  • Inspect the oral cavity using a mirror.
  • Dry root canals with paper points.
  • Place temporary filling material into the endodontic access.
  • Take impressions for periodontal night guard.
  • Polish the coronal surfaces of teeth when a dentist or hygienist has determined teeth are free of calculus.
  • Train patients in techniques of oral hygiene and prevention of oral disease.
  • Place films (dental radiographs), adjust equipment preparatory to exposing films, and expose films.
• Orthodontic support (for non-orthodontist providers):
  • Preliminary select and size bands.
  • Remove fixed orthodontic appliances.
  • Check for loose bands and brackets.
  • Remove ligature ties and head appliances.
  • Place and remove arch wires, elastics, and orthodontic separators.
  • Take intra-oral measurements for orthodontic procedures.
  • Remove supra-gingival orthodontic bracket bonding material with a hand piece that does not exceed 25,000 revolutions per minute.
  • Place ligature ties and head appliances.
• Organize patient dental records, confirm availability, and ensure readiness for provider use.
• Greet patients, introduce self, and inform them of general treatment and provider details.
• Review health questionnaire with patients and notify provider of conditions that could affect treatment.
• Promote patient comfort by building rapport and addressing questions as directed by the provider.
• Anticipate provider needs in delivering patient care and maintain proper patient scheduling and flow.
• Prepare, organize, and pass dental instruments, supplies, and materials as requested.
• Establish and maintain a clear and clean operating field.
• Record and verify information in patient dental records according to established procedures.
• Enter, retrieve, and transmit patient care information via the automated scheduling system (TEAM).
• Respond to medical emergencies consistent with established guidelines.
• Expose and process dental radiographs as required.
• Take patient blood pressure and record it accurately.
• Clean, sterilize, and process instruments consistent with established guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and well-supplied work environment, including operatory, laboratory, and instrument processing areas.
• Ensure proper handling of materials in accordance with hazard communication and infection control guidelines.
• Maintain equipment functionality through periodic preventive maintenance and report non-functioning equipment.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by office manager or supervisory personnel.
• Act in conformance with program policies, procedures, and legal/regulatory requirements.
• Perform the following functions provided the dentist is on the premises and checks the patient before and after:
  • Place matrix retainers for alloy and composite restorations.
  • Polish amalgam restorations.
  • Remove supra-gingival excess cement.
  • Take impressions for diagnostic models, counter and opposing models, temporary restorations, and bite registration.
  • Place and remove a rubber dam.
  • Fabricate temporary plastic-type crowns.
  • Assist in monitoring patients administered nitrous oxide.
• Perform other duties appropriate for Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) as authorized by Board of Dentistry rules.

Requirements

• Minimum one (1) year of experience as a dental assistant or graduation from an ADA-accredited dental assisting program.
• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED).
• Dental Radiation Proficiency Certificate (Oregon).
• Pit and Fissure Sealant Certificate (Oregon) within 6 months of hire.
• Expanded Function Dental Assistant Certificate (Oregon) within 3 months of hire.
• Basic Life Support certification within 3 months of hire.

Skills

• Demonstrated competence in four-handed dentistry technique.
• Proficiency in use of current dental materials, instruments, and equipment.
• Ability to follow instructions and work effectively under supervision.
• Strong organizational skills and efficient use of time.
• Professional courtesy and strong interpersonal skills when interacting with patients, providers, and employees.
• Excellent attendance record.
• Basic knowledge of sterilization and infection control equipment.

Final candidate is required to pass a clinical pre-employment skills test.

Schedule

• Days and times vary.
• Part-time, 30 scheduled weekly hours.
• Shift: Day (working hours start: 07:00 AM, end: 06:00 PM).
• Workdays: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

Pay

$26.63 - $33.14 per hour. Actual base pay determined at offer based on labor market data, internal alignment, and candidate’s relevant work experience, education, certifications, skills, and geographic location.

Location

• Primary Location: Keizer Station, North Lancaster dental office (Salem, Oregon).
• Travel: Yes, 20% of the time.
• Work Setting: Onsite.