Dental Assistant Job at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Hot Springs

Dental Assistant

The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision.

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran.

Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• 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.
• Dental Imaging: Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed. Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized.
• Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization: Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories. Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPS standards.
• 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 Safety: Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities. Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients. Participates in patient identification and time out per JCAHO requirements.
• Employee Education: Complies with Employee Education requirements. Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions.
• Dental Laboratory Functions: Pours impressions and prepares study models. Makes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rims.

Work Schedule: Full-time: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm

Benefits: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year. Traditional federal pension and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA. Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care insurance.