Dental Assistant, Clackamas Dental Office

Relocation Assistance Available

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.

• Performs all of the duties permitted a dental assistant consistent with the individual's training and in the presence of or under the observation of a licensed provider as referenced in State Dental Practice Act and the related Administrative Rules. These duties include: apply topical anesthetic and desensitizing agents as directed by the provider; removal of 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 non-hazardous extra-oral procedures; inspect the oral cavity using a mirror; dry root canals with paper points; place temporary filling material into endodontic access;
  
  take impressions for a periodontal night guard; polish 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 prep to exposing films, and expose films.
• In support of the practice of a dentist provider 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 a hand piece that does not exceed 25,000 revolutions per minute;
  
  place ligature ties and head appliances; train patients in techniques of oral hygiene and prevention of oral disease; place films (dental radiographs), adjust equipment prep to exposing films, and expose films. Organize patients  dental records consistent with established guidelines, confirm availability and ensure ready for providers use at the time care is provided. Greet, introduce self to, and inform patient of general treatment and provider to be seen consistent with Kaiser Permanente Behavioral Guidelines.
  
  Review health questionnaire with patient and notify provider of reported conditions that could affect treatment. Promote patient emotional comfort by gaining rapport, instilling confidence and promoting tranquility. Answer patients and/or parents questions regarding care and service provided as directed by the provider.
• Anticipate the needs of the provider in delivering patient care and service. Communicate information important to maintaining proper scheduling and patient flow consistent with information in the patient s dental record. Prepare, organize, arrange and pass dental instruments, supplies and materials as requested by the provider and required by guidelines. Establish and maintain a clear and clean operating field. Record and verify information in the patient s dental record and on all necessary forms and documents.
  
  Enter, retrieve and transmit patient care and service information via the automated scheduling system (TEAM) in accordance with guidelines and training. Respond to medical emergencies per established guidelines. Expose and process dental radiographs as required according to guidelines and radiology equipment use specifications. Take patient blood pressure and record accurately in the patient s dental record. Maintain a clean, sterile, and orderly work environment across operatory, laboratory and instrument…