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

Job Summary

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.

Essential Responsibilities

• Perform all duties permitted a dental assistant consistent with training and in the presence of or under observation of a licensed provider as referenced in State Dental Practice Act and related Administrative Rules, including: apply topical anesthetic and desensitizing agents; remove sutures and post-extraction and periodontal dressings; retract cheek, tongue, or other tissue during operation; assist in placement or removal of rubber dam; remove debris with vacuum, compressed air, mouth washes, or water; perform extra-oral procedures not hazardous; inspect oral cavity using mirror; dry root canals with paper points; place temporary filling material into endodontic access; take impressions for periodontal night guard; polish coronal surfaces when dentist or hygienist has determined teeth are free of calculus; train patients in oral hygiene and prevention of oral disease; place films, adjust equipment, and expose radiographs.
• In support of a dentist who is not an orthodontist: 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 hand piece not exceeding 25,000 RPM; place ligature ties and head appliances.
• Organize patients' dental records consistent with guidelines, confirm availability and assure order and readiness for provider use at time of care.
• Greet, introduce self to, and inform patient of general treatment and provider to be seen consistent with behavioral guidelines.
• Review health questionnaire with patient and notify provider of reported conditions that could affect treatment.
• Promote patients' emotional comfort by gaining rapport, instilling confidence and promoting tranquility.
• Inform and answer patients and/or parents questions regarding care and service as directed by provider.
• Anticipate needs of provider in delivery of patient care and service.
• Communicate information important to maintaining proper scheduling and flow of patients consistent with information recorded in the dental record.
• Prepare, organize, arrange and pass dental instruments, supplies and materials as requested and required by guidelines.
• Establish and maintain a clear and clean operating field.
• Record and verify information in the patient's dental record according to established procedures.
• Record and/or verify all patient care and service related information on necessary forms consistent with guidelines and accurately reflecting information documented in the dental record.
• As required, enter, retrieve and transmit patient care and service related information via automated patient and provider scheduling system (TEAM) consistent with guidelines and training.
• Respond to medical emergency situations consistent with established guidelines.
• Expose and process dental radiographs consistent with guidelines and equipment specifications.
• Take patients' blood pressure and accurately record in dental record.
• Clean, sterilize and process instruments consistent with guidelines.
• Maintain clean, orderly, well organized and supplied work environment, including assigned operatory, laboratory and instrument processing areas, consistent with infection control.
• Assure proper handling of all materials in accordance with hazard communication program and infection control guidelines.
• Assure proper functioning of equipment through preventive maintenance (cleaning, oiling, etc.) and report non-functioning/damaged equipment to office manager or supervisor promptly.
• Perform other duties as assigned by office manager or supervisory personnel consistent with training and experience in an active and cooperative manner.
• Act in conformance with established program policies, procedures, guidelines and protocols, Administrative Rules of State Board of Dentistry, State Dental Practice Act and other laws and regulations governing dental assistant role and responsibilities; maintain established qualifications for selection.
• Perform the following functions provided dentist is on premises and checks 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, fabrication of temporary restorations, and intra-oral bite registration for study model articulation; place and remove rubber dam; fabricate temporary plastic-type crowns; assist in monitoring patients administered nitrous oxide consistent with guidelines; other appropriate EFDA duties as authorized by Board of Dentistry rules.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum one (1) year of experience as a dental assistant OR graduate from an ADA accredited dental assisting program.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 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 within 3 months of hire

Additional Requirements

• Demonstrated competence in four-handed dentistry technique
• Satisfactory level of knowledge and proficiency in use of current dental materials, instruments and equipment
• Demonstrated ability to follow instructions and work effectively under direct and indirect supervision
• Well organized in use of time and effort
• Demonstrated capacity to act in professionally courteous manner when interacting with patients, providers and other employees — good interpersonal skills
• Excellent attendance record
• Final candidate required to pass a clinical pre-employment skills test

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of sterilization and infection control equipment

Pay & Schedule

• Pay range: $26.63 - $33.14 / hour
• Schedule: Days/Times vary; 3/10, Mon-Sat, variable; Working Hours Start: 07:00 AM, End: 06:00 PM
• Travel: Yes, 10% of the time; travel to Aloha, Beaverton, Cedar Hills, Tigard dental locations
• Part-time, 30 hours/week