Dental Assistant

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

The VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System is recruiting for a Dental Assistant at the Rochester Calkins VA Clinic. The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care, performs a wide range of intra-oral dental procedures, supports the dental laboratory as needed, and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision.

Major Duties include but are not limited to:
Chairside assisting:
Performs a wide range of intra-oral dental procedures associated with various phases of restorative, prosthetic, periodontal, endodontic, oral surgery, implant placement and restoration procedures and provides chairside assistance, fully anticipating the dentist's needs for all instruments, materials, and services using four-handed techniques.

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 intraoperative procedures within standard infection control protocols Takes preliminary impressions for study models, modifying impression tray as needed. Performs skilled techniques to place temporary crowns and bridges, ensuring they fit each patient's dental anatomy.

Possesses knowledge of dental anatomy, related oral anatomy, the technical methods and practices of dentistry, and the working characteristics of dental instruments and materials sufficient to perform a wide variety of intraoral procedures, including restoration, of teeth prepared by dentists and adapting and seating stainless steel crowns.

Possesses knowledge of and ability to recognize common dental disorders and conditions such as tooth decay and inflamed tissue sufficient to perform intraoral procedures which treat these conditions, under general supervision of a staff dentist. Dental Imaging Operates dental Xray equipment for intra and extra oral radiographs. Customer service Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, coworkers and the public.

Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization:
Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatories. Clerical Functions:
Assists patients in scheduling appointments, makes appointments, and handles telephone calls. Records information related to the Medical and Dental history as relayed by the dentist or patient Information Management:
Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information.

Patient Safety:
Instruct patients in preventive dental care measures, general nutrition as related to dental health, the common causes of tooth decay, and the care of prosthodontic appliances, provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education. Employee

Education:

Complies with Employee Education requirements. Dental Laboratory Functions:
Pours impressions, prepares, and trims study models.

Performs other dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allow. Direct Patient Care:
Obtains patient vital signs (BP, pulse, pulse oximeter, temporal temperature) as needed. Applies desensitizing agents, tissue conditioners, topical fluorides, and other topical agents prescribed by the dentist to specified area of the oral cavity. Supply Functions Responsible for communicating with logistics to manage inventory of items supporting the Dental clinic.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Has knowledge of OSHA policies of Safe Work Practices including the hazard Communication Program, Blood Borne…