Dental Assistant

$31,512 - $57,354/Yr

Department of Veterans Affairs - Port Richey, FL

Full-time - Entry Level

Port Richey, FL

Administration of Human Resource Programs

About the position

Serves as staff dental assistant at the full performance level for routine patient care and performs a full range of duties with indirect supervision from the lead or supervisory dental assistant or the treating dentist. Performs assigned selected procedures with some independence. Some complex patient procedures are performed under indirect supervision of more experienced dental assistants or dental supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision.
• Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public.
• Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery.
• Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover.
• Passes instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently.
• Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably.
• Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions.
• Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols.
• Assists in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four-handed dentistry.
• Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant placement and restoration.
• Maintains both routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental service standards.
• Exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging in traditional and/or digital formats.
• Modifies settings to achieve the images as requested by the provider.
• Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatories.
• Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination.
• Prepares instruments for transfer to SPD for sterilization.
• Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments.
• Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information.
• Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress.
• Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides familiarity with the work.
• Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
• Certification as required by Public Law 97-35 for those who administer radiologic procedures.

Nice-to-haves

• Certification requirements for basic life support methods through the American Red Cross Association.
• DANB certification is not required, but highly desirable.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position held.