Dental Assistant, Cascade Park Office (On-Call, Days)

Kaiser Permanente; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente seeks a compassionate Dental Assistant to support dental healthcare delivery in our Vancouver office. You will perform key duties within a collaborative team, ensuring patient comfort and safety while assisting with various dental procedures. If you're certified and passionate about dental care, we invite you to apply and join our dedicated team.

Qualifications

• Certification as a dental assistant is required.
• Experience in dental practice is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are critical.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists and hygienists in delivering dental care.
• Perform duties under supervision following state regulations.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Education

Certification as a dental assistant

Tools

Dental radiograph equipment

Sterilization equipment

Job description

Job Summary:

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

Essential Responsibilities:

• Perform duties permitted for a dental assistant under the supervision of a licensed provider, as per State Dental Practice Act and related regulations. Duties include:
• Apply topical anesthetic and desensitizing agents as directed by the provider.
• Remove sutures and post-extraction or periodontal dressings.
• Retract patient's cheek, tongue, or other tissue during procedures.
• Assist with placement or removal of rubber dams.
• Remove debris during operative procedures using appropriate devices.
• Perform non-hazardous extra-oral procedures.
• Inspect the oral cavity with a mirror.
• Dry root canals with paper points.
• Place temporary filling material in endodontic access.
• Take impressions for periodontal night guards.
• Polish teeth when free of calculus as determined by the dentist.
• Train patients in oral hygiene and prevention techniques.
• Take dental radiographs, adjust equipment, and expose films.
• Support orthodontic procedures, including selecting bands, removing appliances, checking for loose components, and placing/removing wires and elastics.
• Organize and prepare patient records and dental materials.
• Greet patients, explain procedures, review health questionnaires, and ensure patient comfort.
• Assist in scheduling and flow management of patients.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment, including sterilization of instruments.
• Record and verify patient information accurately in dental records.
• Utilize automated systems for scheduling and patient information management.
• Respond to medical emergencies as per guidelines.
• Process dental radiographs following safety protocols.
• Monitor and record patient blood pressure.
• Perform instrument sterilization and maintain infection control standards.
• Ensure proper functioning of equipment and report issues promptly.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors, consistent with training and experience.
• Act in accordance with policies, procedures, and legal regulations governing dental assistants.
• Perform specific functions under dentist supervision, such as placing matrix retainers, polishing amalgam restorations, removing excess cement, taking various impressions, and assisting with nitrous oxide monitoring.