Dental Assistant

Summary The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care with the ability to perform the full range of duties with some independence in assigned specialties and clerical functions, with indirect supervision from the dentist or supervisor. Duties will be performed in the Dental Clinic. Responsibilities Customer Service 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. Chairside Assisting 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 for patients 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 Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, and periodontics Dental Imaging Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized Imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPS standards Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images. Clerical Functions Assists patients in scheduling appointments Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records Information Management Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information. Follows computer security regulations. Patient SafetyModifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position)Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patientsParticipates in patient identification and time out per Joint Commission requirementsMonitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distressMonitors patient (BP, pulse EKG, pulse oximeter), and condition during moderate sedation and during recovery period following procedureEmployee EducationComplies with Employee Education requirementsCompletes mandatory annual safety training sessionsDental Laboratory FunctionsPours impressions and prepares study modelSelects and manipulates a variety of gypsums and waxesMakes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rimsFabricates custom traysPerforms other dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allowDirect Patient CareAssists with specialty procedures including oral surgery, periodontal therapy, endodontic, prosthodontic and implant placement and restorationAnticipates surgeons/specialists needs at each stage of treatmentWork Schedule: IntermittentTelework: Not AvailableVirtual: This is not a virtual position.Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not AuthorizedPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not AuthorizedFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process 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) - See

Created: 2026-04-03