Dental Assistant, Tanasbourne Clinic

Provide direct support to dentists, hygienists, denturists and other provider personnel in the delivery of dental care and service within a Kaiser Permanente dental office.

• Perform all duties permitted a dental assistant consistent with training and under the observation of a licensed provider. These duties include:
  • Applying topical anesthetic and desensitizing agents as directed by the provider
  • Removing sutures, post-extraction and periodontal dressings
  • Retracting patients cheek, tongue or other tissue during an operation
  • Assisting in the placement or removal of a rubber dam
  • Removing debris created during operative procedures with a vacuum device, compressed air, mouth washes or water
  • Inspecting the oral cavity using a mirror
  • Drying root canals with paper points
  • Placing temporary filling material into the endodontic access
  • Taking impressions for periodontal night guard
  • Polishing coronal surfaces of teeth when a dentist or hygienist has determined teeth are free of calculus
  • Training persons in techniques of oral hygiene and prevention of oral disease
  • Placing films, adjusting equipment preparatory to exposing films and exposing films
• In support of a non-orthodontic dentist provider: Preliminary selecting and sizing bands; removing fixed orthodontic appliances; checking for loose bands and brackets; removing ligature ties and head appliances; placing and removing arch wires, elastics and orthodontic separators; taking intra-oral measurements for orthodontic procedures; removing supra-gingival orthodontic bracket bonding material with a hand piece; placing ligature ties and head appliances; organizing patient's dental record consistent with established guidelines; greeting, introducing self to and informing patient of general treatment to be provided and provider to be seen; reviewing health questionnaire with patient and notifying provider of reported conditions that could effect treatment; promoting patients emotional comfort by gaining rapport, instilling confidence and promoting tranquility; informing and answering patient's and/or parent's questions regarding care and service provided as directed by provider.
• Anticipating needs of provider in the delivery of patient care and service; communicating information important to maintaining proper scheduling and flow of patients consistent with information recorded in patient's dental record; preparing, organizing, arranging and passing dental instruments, supplies and materials as requested by provider and required by established guidelines; establishing and maintaining a clear and clean operating field; recording and verifying information in patient's dental record according to established procedures; recording and/or verifying all patient care and service related information on all necessary forms and documents consistent with established guidelines and in a manner that accurately reflects the information documented in patient's dental record; entering, retrieving and transmitting patient care and service related information via the Programs automated patient and provider scheduling system (TEAM) consistent with established guidelines and training; responding to medical emergency situations consistent with established guidelines; exposing and processing dental radiographs as required consistent with established guidelines and radiology equipment use specifications; taking patient's blood pressure and accurately recording in patient's dental record; cleaning, sterilizing and processing instruments consistent with established guidelines; maintaining a clean, orderly, well organized and supplied work environment including assigned operatory, laboratory and instrument processing areas consistent with established infection control; assuring proper handling of all materials in accordance with hazard communication program and infection control guidelines; and assuring proper functioning of equipment through periodic completion of established preventive maintenance procedures such as cleaning and oiling and reporting non-functioning, damaged etc equipment to office manager or supervisor in a timely manner.
• Performing other duties as assigned by office manager or supervisory personnel that are consistent with individual's training and experience in an active and cooperative manner; acting in conformance with established program policies, procedures, guidelines and protocols, the Administrative Rules of the State Board of Dentistry, the State Dental Practice Act and any other laws and regulations that govern role and responsibilities of dental assistant and satisfactorily maintaining established qualifications for selection towards this position; and performing functions provided that dentist is on the premises and checks patient before and after functions are performed, including: placing matrix retainers for alloy and composite restorations; polishing amalgam restorations; removing supra-gingival excess cement; taking impressions for diagnostic models, counter and opposing models, fabrication of temporary restorations and intra-oral bite registration for study model articulation; placing and removing a rubber dam; fabricating temporary plastic-type crowns; assisting in monitoring patients being administered nitrous oxide consistent with established guidelines; and other duties appropriate for Expanded Function Dental Assistant as authorized by Board of Dentistry rules and regulations.

• Minimum One (1) year of experience as a dental assistant OR graduate from an ADA accredited dental assisting program.

• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) required.

• Dental Radiation Proficiency Certificate (Oregon)
• Pit and Fissure Sealant Certificate (Oregon) within 6 months of hire
• Expanded Function Dental Assistant Certificate (Oregon) within 3 months of hire
• Basic Life Support within 3 months of hire
Additional Requirements:
• The individual applicant for this position must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the individual performing the selection interview, the following qualifications if he or she is to be selected. Furthermore, consistent with the fact that these qualifications are required for selection, they then must be satisfactorily maintained by the individual as a condition of continued employment.
• Demonstrated competence in four-handed dentistry technique.
• Satisfactory level of knowledge and proficiency in use of current dental materials, instruments and equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to follow instructions and work effectively under both direct and indirect supervision.
• Well organized in use of time and effort.
• Demonstrated capacity to act in a professionally courteous manner when interacting with patients, providers and other employees - good interpersonal skills.
• Excellent attendance record.
• Final candidate is required to pass a clinical pre-employment skills test.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Basic knowledge of sterilization and infection control equipment.

Kaiser Permanente is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, parental status, ancestry, disability, gender identity, veteran status, genetic information, other distinguishing characteristics of diversity and inclusion, or any other protected status.