Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant

Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant

Dental assistants at this level serve as Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant. For all positions above the full performance level, duties must be assigned to the position at least 25% of the time. Higher-level assignments cover greater scope, complexity and variety and require advanced clinical skills. The incumbent also performs the full range of duties for routine patient care. Incumbents must maintain current Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certifications.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following :

• Gathering diagnostic information, pulp vitality testing, charting of existing conditions, placing of rubber dam and matrices, selecting shades, placing retractions cord, placing and removing temporary restorations, fabricating temporary crowns and removing permanent cement from spragingival surfaces.
• In addition, the expanded function assistant may place and remove surgical dressing, monitor nitrous oxide analgesia, and perform coronal polishing and the cleaning and polishing of removable prostheses.
• Dental Imaging : Comprehensive working knowledge of advanced imaging techniques in order to provide instruction (e.g. cone, beam, cephalometric, advanced panoramic imaging, TMJ, etc.).
• Infections Control and Equipment Sterilization : Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories. Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination. Properly prepares instruments for transfer to SPS for sterilization. Follow all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical Equipment. Works closely with SPS to ensure availability of instruments so that clinic care is not delayed. Demonstrates proper infection-control in exposing images.
• Clerical Functions : Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments. Initiates computerized progress note. Assists dentist in charting finding and treatment plans in patients record.
• Patient Safety : Modifies care as appropriate for 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.
• Employee Education : Complies with Employee Education requirements. Completes mandatory annual training.
• Direct Patient Care : Monitors patient vital signs (BP, pulse oximeter) and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery. Applies topical anesthetic at the injection site. Applies topical fluoride. Makes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication. Removes plaques and soft debris from removable prostheses. Provides patient preventative education and oral hygiene instruction. Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education.

Work Schedule : Monday-Friday 0630-1600

Requirements :

Qualifications :

Grade Determinations :

Physical Requirements : The work is sedentary but involves fine motor movements when assisting. Typically, the employee sits at a desk or table or on adjustable stool in the treatment room with some walking and standing as patients are seated or clean and dirty dental instruments area. Items carried are typically light objects and lifting of moderately heavy objects is not normally required.