Job Summary:

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Oral Oncology Certified Dental Assistant participates in the management of medically compromised cancer patients who may have complex diagnoses and are undergoing related treatment(s). The Oral Oncology Certified Dental Assistant performs all related clinical, chair-side, infection control, and clerical duties associated with the dental appointment in the regional center.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.    Participates in management of medically compromised cancer patients with the possible exposure to medical risk; performs all chair-side duties and coordinates booking for the dental clinic, surgical procedures, and aids in coordination of care parallel to medical treatments. Assists dentists with screening of patients and assessment of dental needs to set priorities for dental visits; schedules appointments by contacting medical and dental laboratories to confirm completion of cases; contacts patients and appropriately arranges appointments based on medical and dental considerations in the dental clinic.

2.    Communicates with medical and dental staff at BC Cancer, and in the community as necessary, to adjust appointment schedules while ensuring that patient care is not jeopardized.

3.    Performs all chair-side duties of a certified dental assistant while implementing and maintaining infection control protocol.

4.    Makes impressions and provides individualized instruction to patients. Assists with implant and surgical procedures as directed by Dentist/Oral Surgeon and in accordance with infection control procedures by performing duties such as passing instruments to dentist, mixing restorative materials, assisting Dentist/Oral Surgeon with applications, retraction and suction during treatment.

5.    Maintains and updates patient records in the Electronic Medical Record by updating patient information, ensuring patient charts are updated and active for patient appointments, and assisting with the preparation of clerical patient documentation and ensuring proper labelling and completeness. Checks treatment plan for completeness and confirms estimates are provided. Communicates treatment and next appointment needs to reception upon conclusion of procedure and scans relevant materials into patient charts.

6.    Educates patients as needed on various oncology related oral side effects, pre- and post-operative instructions, oral hygiene needs, and other such procedures. Provides educational literature and assists patients in individualizing needs. Participates in ongoing clinical/oncology education opportunities to maintain highest standards of care.

7.    Maintains an adequate quantity of materials, supplies and equipment by completing requisition orders for authorization/signature.

8.    Cleans and prepares instruments for central sterilization and maintains supplies. Cleans and disinfects chair-side area after use and ensures equipment is working. Performs minor repairs and maintenance on dental equipment, including the documentation of central sterilization reports daily. Reports malfunctions in equipment and arranges for repair by following established service procedures.

9.    Prepares and sets up all relevant and required dental supplies and equipment as needed for specific upcoming dental procedures per provider. Sets up and takes prescribed digital dental radiographs (x-rays) in accordance with radiation safety codes. Sends digital radiographs to external Dentists as required. Performs intraoral scanning for prosthodontic cases.

10.    Ensures all lab cases are present and ready for dental appointments, and that outgoing lab cases include all necessary items.

11.    Works with the Medical Devices Reprocessing Department (MDRD) to assure that dental instruments are cleaned and sterilized properly and returned to the clinic in time for upcoming appointments.

12.    Assists in a variety of specialized dental procedures that are unique to cancer patients such as debridement of jaw infections, implant placements, sinus lifts, sophisticated prosthodontic appliances and the fabrication of bite blocks in preparation for head and neck radiotherapy as requested by radiation oncologist.

13.    Participates in data collection and management of patients on clinical research trials as directed by attending practitioner.

14.    Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

•    Graduation from a recognized Certified Dental Assistant program plus one year's recent, related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
•    Current registration and licensure as a Certified Dental Assistant as required under the Dentist Act.

Skills and Abilities

•    Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
•    Ability to deal with others effectively.
•    Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
•    Ability to organize work.
•    Ability to operate related equipment.