This position is located in the Dental Service at the Washington, DC VA Medical Center. Duties may include, but are not limited to: Chair side Assisting Responds to basic medical emergencies Measures and records vital signs Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover Charts existing restorations and conditions Selects shades for fixed and removable prosthesis Provides chair side assistance, fully anticipating dentist's needs for various instruments, materials and services. Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions Supports dentist in endodontic treatments by applying and removing rubber dam and cleansing and drying operative field. Assists in surgical treatment by applying and removing periodontal and post extraction dressings and removing sutures. Applies desensitizing agents, tissue conditioners and other topical agents prescribed by dentist to specified areas of the oral cavity. Supports dentist in oral prophylaxis treatments by flossing, polishing teeth and applying topical fluoride Removes temporary cement from supragingival surfaces Removes plaque and soft debris from removable prostheses Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocol Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, and surgical periodontics Dental Imaging Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed Exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e. TMJ, cone beam) in digital formats. Modifies settings to achieve the images as requested by provider Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized Imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame Infection Control Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning dental operatories Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination Properly prepares instruments for transfer to SPS for sterilization Follows all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical Equipment Instruments are properly pre-treated for pick-up by SPS personnel Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images Clerical Functions Assists in filling gaps in the dentist's schedule due cancellations and failed appointments Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records Assist with entering Return to Clinic Orders 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 (patient transfer and position) Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients Participates in patient identification and time out per JCAHO requirements Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress Monitors patient (BP, pulse) , and condition during invasive procedures and during recovery period following procedure Employee Education Complies with Employee Education requirements Maintains BLS certification that includes operation of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) per Medical Center Policy Dental Laboratory Functions Takes preliminary impressions for study models Makes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rims Pours impressions and prepares study models Performs other dental laboratory functions as lime and skill levels allow Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
