4421 - Dental Assistant (First Smiles Matter)

Overall Job Objective

Position Description

This grant-funded position, with occasional night and weekend shifts, is in the Oral Health Division within the Health Deparmtent. OPEN UNTIL FILLED.

Salary Grade: M1

Participates in dental procedures during examination and patient treatment. Performs basic clinical and business office support functions.

Duties/Responsibilities

(Work assignments may vary depending on the department's needs and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.)

Prepares patients for examinations;
Assists dentist during dental screening;
Assists dental hygienists by preparing dental sealants and assisting in their application;
Travels to schools and other sites to provide dental services;
Transports, sets up and breaks down portable dental equipment and supplies;
Coordinates clinic flow of patients;
Observes all required clinical procedures for the collection and proper disposal of biohazardous waste materials;
Inventories and stocks clinic supplies;
Maintains equipment in working order;
Sterilizes instruments, prepares instrument packages and cleans equipment in accordance with departmental and universal medical policies and procedures;
Creates and maintains program/activity documentation.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Knowledge of:

• dental anatomy;
• principles, practices and methods of sterilization;
• decontamination equipment, techniques and procedures;
• dental instruments and equipment usage, cleaning, sterilization and maintenance;
• dental materials usage, manipulation and storage.

Skill in:

• preparation, sterilization and cleaning of basic dental equipment and instruments;
• operating decontamination and sterilization equipment;
• mixing of dental sealants;
• four-handed assisting techniques;
• communicating effectively.

Minimum Qualifications

(1) Graduation from an accredited college, university, vocational/technical school or program as a Dental Assistant.
OR:
(2) One year of experience assisting with dental screening and sealant placement.

Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.):

1. Bilingual (English/Spanish), speak, read and write.
2. Experience working with young children and/or families.
3. At least six (6) months experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook).

Selection Procedure:
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum/desired qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum/desired qualifications may be further evaluated/score against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidates from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process. Supplemental Information

Licenses and Certificates: Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver's license and access to a registered/insured vehicle for business travel is required (business mileage reimbursed) at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicants suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services review and approval of the candidates driving record.

Special Notice Items: Department of Labor regulation CFR Part 1910.1030 requires notification that positions within this classification may have a high risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens. In accordance with OSHA and Pima County guidelines, Tuberculin (TB) screening, Hepatitis B vaccinations and safety training and equipment will be provided.
The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: All positions require the ability to lift and carry materials up to 20 pounds in weight. A physical and medical clearance may be required.