Job Title: Dental Assistant
Location: Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Position Overview: The Dental Assistant at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center plays a crucial role in providing high-quality dental care to our veteran patients. Working closely with dental professionals, the Dental Assistant performs a variety of clinical and administrative duties to ensure efficient dental operations and exceptional patient experiences.
Key Responsibilities:
- Chairside Assistance: Provide chairside assistance to dentists during dental procedures, including but not limited to restorative, endodontic, prosthodontic, and surgical procedures.
- Patient Care: Assist in the provision of direct patient care by preparing treatment rooms, sterilizing instruments, and assisting patients in proper positioning for dental procedures.
- Radiographic Imaging: Perform digital radiographic imaging, ensuring the quality and accuracy of images for diagnostic purposes and treatment planning.
- Sterilization and Infection Control: Maintain strict adherence to infection control protocols by sterilizing and disinfecting dental instruments and equipment according to established guidelines.
- Supply Management: Manage dental supplies and equipment inventory, including ordering, stocking, and organizing supplies to ensure adequate availability for dental procedures.
- Patient Education: Educate patients on oral hygiene practices, post-operative care instructions, and preventive dental measures to promote oral health and wellness.
- Administrative Support: Provide administrative support to dental staff by scheduling patient appointments, maintaining patient records, and processing dental insurance claims.
- Emergency Response: Assist in managing dental emergencies by responding promptly and efficiently to patient needs and providing appropriate assistance as directed by dental providers.
- Quality Assurance: Participate in quality assurance activities, including peer reviews, compliance audits, and performance improvement initiatives to uphold the highest standards of dental care.
- Professional Development: Stay abreast of current trends and advancements in dental assisting techniques, technologies, and regulations through ongoing training and professional development activities.
Qualifications:
- Completion of an accredited dental assistant program or equivalent training.
- Current certification as a Dental Assistant (CDA) or Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) preferred.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
- Proficiency in dental terminology, procedures, and instruments.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with patients and dental team members.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced clinical environment.
- Prior experience working in a dental setting, particularly in a hospital or medical center, is advantageous.
Working Conditions:
- Full-time position with regular business hours, Monday to Friday.
- Occasional evening or weekend shifts may be required based on patient needs and clinic schedules.
- Exposure to infectious diseases and potentially hazardous materials, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).