Dental Assistant (Henry Wade Juvenile Center)

Interested in a career with both meaning and growth? Whether your abilities are in direct patient care or one of the many other areas of healthcare administration and support, everyone at Parkland works together to fulfill our mission: the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care. By joining Parkland, you become part of a diverse healthcare legacy that’s served our community for more than 125 years. Put your skills to work with us, seek opportunities to learn and join a talented team where patient care is more than a job. It’s our passion.

Primary Purpose

Provides clinical support functions to dentists by: cleaning, sterilizing and arranging instruments, equipment and rooms; supporting the production of radiographs; maintaining necessary stocks and supplies; moving and monitoring patients; and generally opening and closing the clinic.

Minimum Specifications

Education

• Prefer the completion of a Dental Assistant program.

Experience

• None.

Equivalent Education and/or Experience

• None.

Certification/Registration/Licensure

• Must have current Dental Assistant registration with Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
• Must have a current Heartsaver CPR course completion card within 90 days of hire and/or placement in job from one of the following:

American Heart Association
American Red Cross
Military Training Network

Required Tests for Placement

Skills or Special Abilities

• Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, hospital staff and the general public.
• Must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of dental assisting techniques and equipment.
• Must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of oral surgery instruments and reconstructive surgery on patients.
• Must be able to maintain records of all necessary data.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skill in meeting age related and handicapped patients' needs.
• Must be able to demonstrate skill in taking radiographs, blood pressure, D-sticks, cleaning and sterilizing equipment, and in recognizing the names of instruments and the order in which they are used.

Responsibilities

1. Provides patient assessments (blood pressure and health history documented) and finger-stick test to diabetics (to ensure low blood sugar) to assist dentists analysis.
2. Seats and takes radiographs of patients, setting patient posture and position, developing film and filing radiographs and case reports to assist with the patient's care and treatment.
3. Between patients, cleans rooms, sterilizes instruments and equipment, and assembles instruments following treatment, all to ensure a clean, healthy and ordered operating environment.
4. In addition to opening and closing clinic doors each day, the incumbent turns on the developer and sterilizer and ensures placement of lidocaine to each of the eight (8) dentists.
5. Assists the dentists in the patient rooms (seating patients, preparing tray setups, adjusting chair height and light, patient suction, patient sedation, etc.) to contribute to physician efficiency and patient care and satisfaction.
6. On a weekly basis, monitors and orders clinic supplies (ensuring the rooms are stocked with gloves, needles, cups, suction cups, water, suture, blades, towels and suction tubes, etc.) to assist dentists procedures, enhance patient satisfaction and maintain inventory of supplies.
7. Stays current with the latest development trends in dental assistance by attending in-service seminars and workshops and reading internal publications, integrating knowledge gained into current work practices.
8. Maintains a positive working relationship with dentists, patients, management and staff to ensure cooperative and coordinated interactions.
   

Job Accountabilities

1. Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.
2. Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
3. Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.

Parkland Health and Hospital System prohibits discrimination based on age (40 or over), race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, national origin, marital status, political belief, or veteran status.

Nearest Major Market: Dallas
Nearest Secondary Market: Fort Worth
Job Segment: Patient Care, Healthcare Administration, Dental, Healthcare