Dental Assistant (Registered)(Bilingual-Spanish)

The Health and Social Services Department is recruiting for a regular position.

 

The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill part-time and full-time regular, limited-term or extra-help positions as vacancies occur or the need arises.  

Under immediate supervision, assists a dentist or dental hygienist in the performance of his/her duties; cleans, sterilizes and arranges dental instruments; maintains records; performs related duties as required.

This entry level 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 works under close supervision with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This class is distinguished from the Dental Assistant, Registered Lead in that the latter is responsible for more complex dental assistance activities.

Depending on assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to the following:  

Prepares and arranges dental instruments, equipment and accessories on trays ready for use, sterilizes and cares for dental instruments; keeps sufficient amount of dental supplies available.  

Takes, develops, and mounts dental x-rays, mixes and maintains supplies of developing and sterilizing solutions.   

Presents information on dental health to the general public and other staff; prepares patients for treatment and examination; answers routine questions related to impending procedures or preventive dentistry techniques.  

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

Demonstrates proper dental care, e.g., brushing, flossing, etc.; trains dental students and interns; restrains young children, when necessary and occasionally assists adults with disabilities.  

Performs clerical activities related to dental clinic operation; files and sorts records, charts, and other materials; keeps records of patient appointments, results of examinations, dental work performed, and number of patients seen; keeps dental office and equipment, neat, clean and sanitary; seats patients and prepares them for dental work; assists in maintaining dental supply inventories; maintains records, scheduling client appointments.

Operates and maintains a mobile Dental Van: maintains and cleans all medical equipment within the van; operates, maintains and cleans interior and exterior of vehicle to include disposing of refuse and biohazard waste, sanitizing restroom, and maintaining waste system and holding tanks; performs safety check of vehicle; and operates onboard diesel generator.

Considerable knowledge of dental terminology; charting techniques; clinic operational procedures; principles and methods of sterilization of dental equipment, instruments, and supplies; uses of common dental instruments, equipment and material; dental hygiene and prophylaxis, dental x-ray techniques; mission and goals of public health function to which assigned; preventive dental care techniques; standard office methods, practices and procedures; office equipment operation; record maintenance systems.
 
Ability to interview clients to obtain dental health histories, and needs for services and attitudes toward dental treatment; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; demonstrate tact and diplomacy; refer clients to providers of health and social services; deal firmly and fairly with clients of various socio-economic backgrounds and temperaments; maintain confidentiality of information; recognize and respect limit of authority and responsibility.

Education:
High school diploma or GED

Experience:
Supplemented by one (1) year of full-time work experience as a dental assistant that demonstrates possession of and competency in the requisite knowledge and abilities. 

Completion of a required course on dental assistance may be substituted for six (6) months of the required experience.
 

A copy of the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certificate from the Board of Dental Examiners, State of California and, if applicable, dental assistance course certificate, and DD214 (if applying for Veterans Preference points) must be submitted within five (5) days  from the application submittal date.  Failure to submit the required documents(s) will result in immediate disqualification from further consideration in the recruitment process. 

This Supplemental Questionnaire will be used to determine applicants’ qualifications for this position and whether they will continue in the recruitment process; therefore, applicants are encouraged to answer all questions thoroughly and completely.  Omitted information will not be considered or assumed.  Applicants who have no experience in a specific area are recommended to state "no experience in this area" instead of leaving the space blank.

 

This position requires Spanish skills. Applicants will be required to demonstrate proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. Are you proficient in speaking, reading, and writing Spanish?

 

___ Yes        ____ No

Incumbents in the class are required to take x-rays and must be certified, prior to appointment by the State of California Board of Dental Examiners, Department of Consumer Affairs to operate oral x-ray equipment. 
 
Possession of a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certificate from the Board of Dental Examiners, State of California.

Based on assignment, a California Driver’s License, Class C

Incumbents must be able to work in an environment, which may risk exposure to communicable diseases, chemical odors and bodily fluids. Incumbents may be exposed to and required to work with chemicals.
 
Positions allocated to this class may require bilingual skills.
 
Selectees, as a condition of employment, must sign a statement agreeing to comply with section 11166 of the California Penal Code relating to child abuse reporting.

May require independent travel.

05/14/2013 First application review for all applications received through 5/13/13
05/17/2013 Tentative date for Bilingual Exam
05/20/2013 Projected Cert Date

SALARY POLICIES - The starting salary is ordinarily the first rate shown on the front of the announcement.  Salary advancement is authorized after satisfactory completion of additional periods outlined in the employee’s memoranda of understanding or the County’s Personnel and Salary Resolution.  Longevity, shift differential, bilingual, call-back and stand-by pay maybe available for some job classes. 

 

HOLIDAYS – Regular and limited-term employees receive 12 paid holidays per year.

 

ANNUAL/SICK LEAVE - Regular and limited-term employees accrue vacation leave at the rate of 10 days per year.  After a certain period of continuous service, employees accrue vacation time at a higher rate as outlined in the employee’s memoranda of understanding or resolution. Regular and limited-term full time employees accumulate 12 sick leave days per year.

 

RETIREMENT – Non-Safety –  

Employees who have never been a member of any public retirement system prior to January 1, 2013, or who have moved between retirement systems and were not subject to reciprocity, or who have moved between public employers within a public retirement system after a break in service that is greater than six months are eligible for a miscellaneous retirement plan of the 2% at age 62 benefit formula.  Employees entering membership in Solano County’s miscellaneous retirement plan on or after May 4, 2012 but before January 1, 2013, or who have moved between public employers within a public retirement system with a break in service that is less than six months are eligible for a 2% at age 60 benefit formula.  Employees entering membership in Solano County’s miscellaneous retirement plan prior to May 4, 2012 are eligible for a 2.7% at age 55 benefit formula. 

 

HEALTH BENEFITS - Employees and their dependents are eligible for vision and dental insurance with 100% of the cost paid by the County of Solano.  The County also participates in a cafeteria medical plan administered by PERS HealthCare (eligibility is dependent upon job class). 

 

OTHER BENEFITS – Employees may also elect to participate in deferred compensation, credit union, life insurance, and flexible spending plan.  All County employees are eligible to purchase auto and/or home owners, renter insurance from Liberty Mutual Insurance.  An Employee Assistance Program is also provided.

 

EXTRA-HELP - Extra-help employees do not receive or accrue benefits of regular employees during their period of employment.

The recruitment for this position is open until filled.  Application review is scheduled to begin May 14, 2013 for all application received through May 13, 2013.  This recruitment will be open at least five (5) working days and thereafter is subject to close at anytime without notice. All qualified applicants who have applied by the first review date will receive an invitation to test their bilingual (Spanish) skills. The bilingual exam is scheduled for Friday, May 17, 2013. Invitations will be sent on May 14, 2013.

 

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of an initial application screening, a mandatory information meeting, a written and/or practical exam, an oral interview, or any combination listed. Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

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All potential new hires (including new contract employees) and employees considered for promotion to management, confidential positions or unrepresented will be subject to a background and reference check after contingent job offer is accepted.  These provisions are subject to change.

 

A minimum score of 70% is required to continue in the selection process.

All additional application materials as requested in the job announcement (e.g. copies of diploma and/or transcripts, certificates, DD-214) must be submitted with a document cover sheet, available on the employment website or at the Department of Human Resources’ office,  and are due by the final filing date or, for open until filled or open and continuous recruitments, within five (5) working days from application submittal date.  Previously submitted application materials .e.g., copies of diploma and/or transcripts, etc.) for prior recruitments will not be applied for this recruitment but must be re-submitted for this recruitment.

 

Please visit the County of Solano website, www.jobsatsolanocounty.com, to apply.  Any further questions can be directed to the Department of Human Resources at (707) 784-6170 or at 675 Texas Street, Suite 1800 Fairfield 94533.  The office is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.  Paper applications may be completed in person during office hours. EOE/AA

To be eligible, applicant must have served at least 181 consecutive days of active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and have received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions.  A COPY OF THE DD 214, SHOWING DISCHARGE TYPE, MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT WITHIN FIVE WORKING DAYS OF THE DATE OF APPLICATION.  Applicants who have a service connected disability must submit a recent award letter from the VA stating they are receiving disability benefits for service connected reasons.  Disability must be rated at least 10% to be eligible for disabled veteran's points. 

Veteran applicants for initial County employment with an honorable or general under conditions discharge shall receive five (5) points added to their combined grade.  Disabled veterans shall have 10 points added to their combined grade.  Veteran scores will only be added to passing scores. 

It is the policy of Solano County that all employment decisions and personnel policies will be applied equally to all County employees and applicants and be based upon the needs of County service, job related merit, and ability to perform the job.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES:  Qualified individuals with a disability, who are able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, and need special testing arrangements, must contact the Solano County Department of Human Resources at (707)784-6170, to obtain a Request for Testing Accommodation by Applicants with Disabilities Form.  This form must be received in the Human Resources Department within five (5) days from the final filing date of the recruitment.  Applicants will be contacted to discuss the specifics of the request.

DIRECT DEPOSIT: All persons hired will be required to participate in the direct deposit program.

  

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE ACT – Depending on the applicant’s job class, prospective employees may be required to undergo a Urine Drug Test in accordance with the Solano County Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Policy once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Solano County employees are subject to the provisions of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the California Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.

 

RETIREES - Solano County invites all to apply for positions; however pursuant to Government Code Section 21221(h) and 21224, hiring restrictions may apply to California Public Sector Pension Plan Retirees. 

 

BACKGROUND PROCESS –The background process may include but not limited to conducting a reference check, completing a personal history statement, conducting a background interview, and live scan fingerprinting.  The County of Solano also utilizes e-Verify to verify employment eligibility.  Note:  A felony conviction will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from employment.    The County will consider the nature, date and relationship between the offense and the position for which you are applying.

 

MEDICAL EXAMINATION - Prior to appointment, candidates may be required to pass a medical examination.  Candidates are encouraged not to quit or give notice to present employers until the medical examination has been completed and passed.

 

APPOINTMENT - At the time of appointment, all candidates will be required to execute an oath of allegiance to the United States and the State of California and may be fingerprinted.  Candidates will also be required to offer proof that they are a lawfully admitted alien or U.S. citizen.

 

PROBATIONARY PERIOD - All new positions are required to successfully complete a minimum probationary period of 6 to 12 months, depending upon the job class.  A probationary period does not apply to "at will" positions.

 

DISASTER WORKERS - In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

 

EXTRA-HELP – An employee appointed to an extra-help position must meet all the requirements of the corresponding regular position.  Extra-help employees cannot work more than 999 hours in the fiscal year.  Extra-help employees are excluded from civil service and do not have rights to regular or continued employment.

 

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.  Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

 

"SOLANO COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER"