Dental Assistant

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:

1. Chairside Assistance: Provide chairside assistance to dentists during dental procedures, including but not limited to restorative, endodontic, prosthodontic, and surgical procedures.
2. 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.
3. Radiographic Imaging: Perform digital radiographic imaging, ensuring the quality and accuracy of images for diagnostic purposes and treatment planning.
4. Sterilization and Infection Control: Maintain strict adherence to infection control protocols by sterilizing and disinfecting dental instruments and equipment according to established guidelines.
5. Supply Management: Manage dental supplies and equipment inventory, including ordering, stocking, and organizing supplies to ensure adequate availability for dental procedures.
6. Patient Education: Educate patients on oral hygiene practices, post-operative care instructions, and preventive dental measures to promote oral health and wellness.
7. Administrative Support: Provide administrative support to dental staff by scheduling patient appointments, maintaining patient records, and processing dental insurance claims.
8. Emergency Response: Assist in managing dental emergencies by responding promptly and efficiently to patient needs and providing appropriate assistance as directed by dental providers.
9. Quality Assurance: Participate in quality assurance activities, including peer reviews, compliance audits, and performance improvement initiatives to uphold the highest standards of dental care.
10. 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).