Dental Assistant

Public Health Dental serves a diverse population of clients, both children and adults, from a wide range of economic, cultural, and differently abled backgrounds. This includes seniors, pregnant or postpartum women, LGBTQIA+, clients experiencing homelessness and clients currently experiencing and recovering from substance abuse illness. Competitive candidates will possess a desire and ability to offer excellent and empathetic services to all the clients we serve.

This position can make a difference in the community. We are dedicated to serve low-income families and the homeless community. We provide services that some would not have if it wasn't for Public Health.

Commitment To Equity and Social Justice

Named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.

The county government has a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.

We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities.

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• Act as a chairside assistant for restorative, oral surgery, endodontic, hygiene and other procedures as needed.
• Take diagnostic quality intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs.
• Provide child prophys.
• Apply dental sealants in clinical and community settings.
• Apply topical preventative agents.
• Take and review patient medical and dental history and present relevant info to the Dentist.
• Assist dentist with emergency procedures.
• Perform other duties as allowed by the Washington State Dental Practice Act 18.32.
• Educate patients in oral hygiene and anticipatory guidance health behaviors.
• Maintain patient flow.
• Responsible for accurate entry of visit data into the electronic dental record as per Dental Program Policies and Procedures and Medicaid billing guidelines.
• Accurately document medical record information under the direction of the dentist.
• Maintain patient records.
• Maintain operatories and dental spaces in good working order and insure compliance with OSHA/WISHA requirements.
• Clean and sterilize dental instruments in accordance with State and Federal requirements.
• Perform routine dental equipment maintenance (clinical and portable) and process repairs.
• Maintain dental supply inventory and ordering.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required:

• Current registration as a Dental Assistant in the State of Washington.
• Completion of a recognized Dental Assistant course program or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a diverse team.
• Effective communication skills.
• Working knowledge of methods and techniques used in dental assisting.
• Working knowledge of terminology, materials, equipment and instruments used in dentistry.
• Working knowledge of dental radiograph techniques and principles.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain patient files and other records in accordance with practice guidelines and applicable regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage behavioral issues in a dental clinic setting.
• Demonstrated ability to address conflict in a direct and professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with clients of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, different physical and developmental abilities, as well as the ability to work with clients for whom English is a second language.
• Valid BLS/CPR upon hire.

Desired:

• Experience in a public/community health center or clinic setting desired.
• Experience with using EPIC Wisdom electronic dental record.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Experience working with both in-person and telephonic interpreters in a clinical setting

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion,