Dental Assistant - II

This recruitment is being conducted to fill two temporary/extra help positions in the Tahoe area.

Temporary/Extra Help assignments are limited to 999 hours (or 960 hours for CalPERS retired annuitants) in a fiscal year and are not eligible for benefits.

5% Bilingual Differential for employees who use a second language in the normal course and scope of work (subject to employee passing the Spanish Language Skills Examination).

To provide assistance to dentists and dental students in the Health and Human Services Department; and to perform general journey level clerical work.

This is the full journey level class within the Dental Assistant series.  This class is distinguished from the Dental Assistant I by the assignment of the full range of duties.  Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.  Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level upon completion and passage of the written Registered Dental Assistant examination by the State Department of Consumer Affairs.

Receive general supervision from the Dentist and may receive technical and functional supervision from the Dental Hygienist.

• Work directly for dentists and dental students, performing a variety of dental assistant procedures and related clerical work which requires knowledge of dental equipment, materials, procedures and terminology; assist in the application of topical agents, removal of dental dressings and sutures, placement and removal of orthodontic separators and assisting in administration of sedation.
• Upon gaining registration from the State, perform coronal polish; dry canal for root canal treatment; perform placement of Dycal in prepared tooth, placement of periodontal dressing; fabricate and cement temporary crowns and bridges; perform placement and removal of matrix band, arch wire, rubber dam and temporary fillings; perform placement of sedative base and separator; remove supra-gingival cement; perform placement of etchart to tooth; perform caries detection.
• Greet patients; take medical history; and prepare patient's charts.
• Prepare operatories; lay out instruments and supplies and set up sterile trays; check and maintain equipment for proper functioning; sharpen instruments; mix and maintain supplies of solutions as developing and sterilizing solutions.
• Prepare patients for treatment and examination; answer routine questions related to impending procedures or preventive dentistry techniques.
• Give pre-operative and post-operative instructions to patients.
• Take and develop full series or partial x-rays.
• Assist dentists in examination and treatment of patients.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of equipment and working areas; sterilize instruments; dispose of needles and blades properly.
• Perform clerical activities related to dental clinic operation; file and sort records, charts and other materials; keep records of time worked by clinic staff and dentists; take inventories and maintain supplies by requisitioning needed articles.
• Perform receptionist duties for clinic office; answer phones; schedule and adjust appointments; maintain records of appointments.
• Maintain records of treatment provided to patients; prepare insurance forms; fill in patient data, treatment information and charges.
• May present information on dental health to the general public and other staff.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

It is the applicant's responsibility to identify in their application materials how they meet the Minimum Qualifications listed below.

Experience: Two years of responsible experience performing duties similar to a Dental Assistant I with Placer County.

Training: Completion of an approved dental assistant training program.

License and Certificate:

• Possession of registration as a Registered Dental Assistant by the State Department of Consumer Affairs, Dental Board of California Must maintain registration by completing 25 units of continuing education in related dental course every two years.
• Must provide documentation from a Dental Board of California certified educational or vocational program of passing a radiation safety course authorizing the operation of dental radiographic equipment in a dental office or clinic.
• May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• Basic dental equipment, materials, procedures and terminology.
• Procedures for taking and developing x-rays.
• Principles and methods of preventive dentistry.
• Basic record-keeping practices and procedures.
• General office procedures, equipment and machines.
• Principles and practices of work safety.
• Moderately complex dental equipment, materials, procedures and terminology.
• Techniques and practical applications of performing a coronal polish.
• Techniques and practical applications for performing periodontal dressing, fabricating and cementing temporary crowns and bridges, and other basic dental assistant procedures.
• Principles and practices of work safety.

Ability to:

• Deal effectively with patient needs, questions and expectations.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk and/or stand at counter for long periods of time.  Intermittently twist and reach office equipment; write and use keyboard to communicate through written means; run errands; lift light weight.
• Intermittently, review documents related to department operations; observe, identify and problem solve office operations and procedures; understand, interpret and explain department policies and procedures; explain operations and problem solve office issues for the public and with staff.
• Keep and maintain dental records.
• Take, develop and mount dental X-rays.
• Prepare and clean dental instruments, equipment and accessories.
• React quickly and calmly in stressful situations.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Perform more complex registered dental assistant procedures as outlined by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk and/or stand at chair for long periods of time. 
• Intermittently twist and reach office equipment; write and use keyboard to communicate through written means; run errands; lift light weight. Intermittently, review documents related to department operations; observe, identify and problem solve office operations and procedures; understand, interpret and explain department policies and procedures; explain operations and problem solve office issues for the public and with staff.

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.  Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

All applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be required to respond to an online Conviction History Questionnaire, which will be sent as a link on their notification that minimum qualifications have been met.  Failure to respond to this questionnaire within (3) three calendar days of the minimum qualification notification will result in disqualification from the examination.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination, which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation, sign a constitutional oath and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation and/or be bonded.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment and retaliation is prohibited and that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinance. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.