County of Alameda

Under supervision, to assist a Dentist or Dental Hygienist in the performance of his/her duties; to make appointments, screen patients, keep records; and perform related duties as required.    

DISTINGUISHED FEATURES  

This class is characterized by the ability to perform a variety of dental procedures which require knowledge of dental equipment, materials, procedures and terminology.  This class differs from the higher-level class of Dental Hygienist in that the latter examines and cleans teeth, and instructs patients in proper oral hygiene, while the former assists with the performance of some of those duties.

NOTE:   The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.  

1.  Coordinates delivery of dental screening and prevention services at a variety of sites throughout Alameda County.  

2.  Provides preventative dental care at program sites, including risk assessment, anticipatory guidance, dental sealants, fluoride varnish and prophylaxis.  

3.   Schedules patient appointments, maintains  records of patient admissions, examinations results, dental work performed, and patient volume; keeps dental office/treatment area and equipment neat, clean and sanitary.  

4.  Prepares and arranges dental instruments, equipment and accessories; sterilizes and cares for dental instruments.  

5.  Takes, develops, and mounts dental X-Rays; assists in dental laboratory; mixes and maintains supplies of solutions, such as developing and sterilizing solutions.  

6.  Presents information and training on dental health and program services to the general public and other staff.  

7.  Assists a Dentist or Dental Hygienist in  chair side functions such as application of topical agents, removal of dental dressings and sutures, placement and removal of orthodontic separators, and provides assistance in administration of sedation.

8.  Collects and maintains accurate client data in appropriate database(s); ensure compliance with applicable privacy regulations.  

9.  Assists with the gathering of client data and treatment effectiveness, provides suggestions for program quality improvement; complies with quality control measures.  

10.  Maintains inventory and storage of clinical supplies, and monitors expiration dates.  

11.  Handles hazardous material and waste appropriately.  

12.  Prepares a variety of correspondence and oral health informational/educational materials.  

13.  Performs other duties as assigned.  

Experience:  

The equivalent of one-year full-time experience as a Dental Assistant.   

And

License:  

Possession of a valid Registered Dental Assistant License issued by the Dental Board of California, possession of a radiation safety license issued by the Dental Board of California, and completion of a pit and fissure sealants course approved by the Dental Board of California.  

Substitution:  

Successful completion of a Dental Assistant curriculum from an accredited Dental Assistant Program may be substituted for the required experience.    

NOTE:   The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

NOTE:   The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.  

Knowledge of:  

·  Principles and methods of sterilization of dental equipment, instruments, and supplies.

·  Uses of common dental instruments, equipment and material.

·  Dental hygiene and prophylaxis.

·  Dental office procedure and dental record keeping.

·  Dental X-Ray techniques.

·  Nomenclature and terminology of dentistry.

·  Computer database operation and data entry.  

Ability to:  

·  Keep dental records.

·  Take, develop and mount dental X-Rays.

·  Prepare, transfer and clean dental instruments, equipment and accessories.

·  Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, their families, providers, staff, internal and external partners and the general public in a variety of ethnic and cultural communities.

·  Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing wit linguistic and cultural proficiency.

·  Communicate information to influence behavior and improve health.

·  Follow prescribed procedures and organizational policies.

·  Incorporate ethical standards of practice into all interactions with individuals, organizations and communities.  

LH:kb  12/5/77

RS:lfm  Revised: 12/80

LB:pb  Revised: 11/18/86

TMZ:pb  Revised 9/15/89

Old doc:  0472h

New doc:  5510.doc

ys/3/01

CSC Date:  10/11/89

LC:cs  Revised/Retitled 10/25/16

Old Title:  Dental Assistant

CSC Date: 11/22/16

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.