Dental Assistant

POSITION CONTEXT

The Dental Assistant is situated within the clinical services team of Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services. The Clinical Services provides a holistic approach to culturally appropriate health care for clients.

LOCATION

63 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah, ACT 2604.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

35 hours per week Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Refer to the employment contract for further conditions of employment.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The role of the Dental Assistant is to work alongside the Dentist providing dental care and education to the clients and the community whilst working under the supervision and direction of the Dental Manager – Clinical Services.

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE , QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES

- Hold a valid qualification / certificate in Dental Assisting

- Previous working experience as a chair-side Dental Assistant.

- Demonstrated knowledge and professional skills in dental assistance, including infection control principles.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (both written and oral).

- Ability to work as a constructive team member under pressure and with complex clients, adapting to change.

- Proficiency in maintaining accurate clinical records and attention to detail in dental procedures.

- Practical skills with Microsoft Word and accurate data entry abilities.

- Motivation to provide service excellence and create a calm environment for anxious clients.

- Effective problem-solving skills and capability to negotiate with clients.

- Recognizing situations requiring dentist input and enhancing collaboration within a multi-disciplinary team.

- Dedication to ongoing education, professional development, evidence-based research, and quality assurance.

- Skill in prioritizing workload and computer literacy for necessary documentation.

- Commitment to staying current with updates and contingencies in the field.

DUTIES

Participate in the Dental Service by performing various duties, classified as administration and clinical tasks:

1. Clinical Duties:

• Prepare clients for treatment.
• Chart the condition of teeth under dentist direction.
• Provide chair-side assistance during dental procedures, including material mixing.
• Clean and sterilize work surfaces, instruments, and equipment according to infection control guidelines.
• The responsibilities include accurately pouring impressions for denture fabrication, ensuring precise replication of patients' oral anatomy following specific guidelines or instructions provided by dentists to ensure consistency and quality in the fabrication process.
• Assist with oral health education and promotion, identifying opportunities for hygiene education.
• Support clients with special needs in both clinical and non-clinical settings.
• Perform routine care and maintenance of dental equipment and instruments.

2. Administration Duties:

• Provide administrative support to reception and clinical staff, following adequate training and as required.
• Manage client bookings, including phone call triage based on treatment urgency.
• Communicating with patients and suppliers and carrying out other administrative duties as required.
• Order dental materials and consumables as needed under the supervision of dentists.
• Monitor radiation registrations and oversee dental staff's personal radiation badges.
• Coordinate and work in the requirements of yearly infection control audits.
• Ensure regular servicing of sterilization equipment and dental chairs, reporting faults and following repair procedures.
• Maintain accurate client clinical records as required and update them on the software as needed (e.g., change of address, telephone number).
• Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of record keeping.

3. Professional responsibilities:

• Maintain the highest standards of professional conduct.
• Participate in and contribute to the fulfilment of operational needs of the organisation as they arise.
• Participate in and contribute to the successful outcomes of the organisation.
• Relieve in other areas of the organisation as required.
• Participate in research activities within the services as required.
• Demonstrates an understanding of and compliance with all Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services policies and procedures.
• Participate in maintaining a safe working environment.
• Provide clinical/operational supervision to Dental Assistant Trainees.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Attend and participate in the Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service professional development activities. Participate in an internal or external seminar, training activity or conference relevant to the position of Dental Assistant and as approved by the Dental Manager Clinical Services.

WORKING WITH VULNERABLE PEOPLE CHECK (WWVPC)

All employees are required to provide their WWVPC registration to Winnunga, or to carry out a WWVPC pursuant to the Working With Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 (ACT).