Dental Assistant (Clinical & Navigation)

The Role

Provides chairside and dental clinic services to children, youth, and adults with acute needs at the Region’s dental clinics. Provides administrative assistance and customer service, including assisting residents navigate access to dental programs and services. 
 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Provides chairside assistance to clinic dentists for oral surgery (e.g., extractions, restorative, radiographs). Follows proper infection control procedures per infection control guidelines. May provide chairside assistance to dental hygienists for preventive services such as pit and fissure sealants or chairside documentation. 
• Sets up and organizes instruments and equipment for clinic practice. Prepares and cleans/sterilizes operatory room, equipment, and instruments, including disposing sharp and contaminated materials, per policies and procedures.
• Provides reception/customer service and administrative support for the dental clinic (e.g., schedules appointments, referrals to dental specialists, stocks forms and charts, electronic records management, distributes bus tickets, arranges for interpreters). 
• Enrolls clients requiring urgent treatment at the dental clinic, per criteria, and schedules assessments with dental hygienist. 
• Assists residents to navigate provincial dental programs and complete application forms. Triages to determine needs, obtain information, and refer to appropriate program. Provides guidance and support by connecting residents with service options (e.g., provincial programs, finding a dental provider). Follows up with third party program administrator regarding status as required for provincial program.
• Provides administrative/case management support to dental hygienists for the school screening program. Enters and maintains client information in database (e.g., identification number, letters/ reminders). Prepares and/or sends mandatory mail-outs. 
• Responds to general dental questions and provides information to the public, schools, parents, dentists, and sponsors regarding dental programs and dental clinics. Responds to or directs inquiries from departmental and other regional staff, as required. 
• Educates clients and families about dental treatment and provides information regarding proper oral hygiene techniques and dental processes, practices. 
• Assists in promotion/outreach activities to support program awareness, access, and use (e.g., health fairs, dental demonstrations/education activities, program/campaign mail-outs).
• Maintains dental equipment in good working condition by cleaning and replacing minor parts; tests radiological and sterilization equipment; and contacts vendor for servicing/repair. Orders clinic and program materials and supplies; maintains current safety data sheets. 
• Performs related duties as assigned.
   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have and maintain current certification with Ontario Dental Assistants Association (ODAA).
• Must have completed a Level I Dental Assisting program through an accredited or ODAA approved organization, and have 2 years of related experience. A combination of higher certification such as completion of a Level II Dental Assisting program and less experience is considered equivalent. 
• Must have certification in Healing Arts Radiation Protection (HARP).
• Knowledge of the safe operation of a radiograph (X-ray) machine, dental terminology, dental procedures and the operation and care of dental equipment, safety management in a dental setting, preventive strategies, and infection prevention and control protocols. Knowledge of dental office and administrative processes. 
• Must have and maintain current CPR BLS certification. 
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, related legislation, and dental practices/heath guidelines (e.g., privacy, WHMIS, health and safety, infection prevention). 
• Familiarity with network of community family dentists, specialists, and dental programs.
• Ability to attend to multiple demands and work independently to meet program deadlines.
• Organizational and problem solving skills to balance and prioritize work to meet program demands; and collect, compile, and report on program information.
• Human relations and communication skills to provide support, empathy, and sensitivity when dealing with clients; triage with residents/clients to understand dental needs and situations; provide guidance and explain procedures, services, and programs/processes (requiring some use of dental terminology); motivate and encourage patients to practice good oral hygiene; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read product and equipment materials; dental journals, articles, and newsletters; and attend seminars to keep knowledge and practices current. 
• Ability to complete charting (including chairside) and client documentation, using proper dental terminology; write correspondence; and complete application forms for dental programs. 
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office, an electronic document management system, scheduling software, and program databases.
• Ability to travel within and outside Waterloo Region.
• Must provide an acceptable police vulnerable sector check. 
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.