About the Department

Schedule: Monday - Thursday and Friday as needed

An employee in this class performs advanced chair side dental assisting duties within the pediatric dental clinic while supporting patient care, scheduling, and clerical operations. Work includes assisting the Dentist during clinical procedures, performing expanded function dental assisting duties allowed by the North Carolina Dental Board, documenting in the electronic medical record (EMR) system, preparing treatment areas, sterilizing instruments, and providing patient education related to oral health and prevention of dental disease. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Dental Hygienist I, with all clinical duties carried out under the direct supervision of the Dentist.

Position Duties

Provides chair side assistance to the Dentist during examinations, prophylaxis (cleanings), fluoride treatments, restorations (fillings), sealants, and simple extractions.
Performs expanded function dental assisting duties permitted under North Carolina Dental Board regulations and certifications.
Takes dental radio graphs in accordance with North Carolina Dental Board requirements.
Places sealants, applies acid etch materials, bonding agents, desensitizers, topical anesthetic, and fluoride treatments as directed by the Dentist.
Places and removes matrix bans and wedges as directed.
Takes dental impressions and performs coronal polishing when certified.
Places rubber dams and retraction cord as permitted and directed.
Fits orthodontic bands and removes excess cement with hand instruments as directed.
Prepares treatment rooms, instruments, materials, and trays for patient care procedures.
Performs sterilization and infection control procedures in accordance with applicable guidelines and standards.
Cleans and disinfects instruments, equipment, and operatories after each patient visit.
Documents patient information and treatment activities in the electronic medical record (EMR) system.
Provides oral hygiene instructions and patient education regarding preventive dental care.
Performs general clerical and reception duties including scheduling appointments, answering telephones, and maintaining records.
Assists with inventory, stocking supplies, and maintaining operatory cleanliness.
Ensures infection control procedures are followed to minimize disease transmission between patients and staff.
May assist with training and orientation of dental assisting students, interns, or newly assigned staff.
This position has been identified to have responsibilities in the Preparedness Plan for the Health Department. In the case of an event within the county the employee is required to work at a specified location in-house or off-site as identified in various Health Department Emergency Response Plans (ex. Preparedness, Pan Flu, etc.).
Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Considerable knowledge of dental assisting procedures, equipment, instruments, and terminology.
Considerable knowledge of expanded function dental assisting procedures allowed by the North Carolina Dental Board.
Knowledge of sterilization, infection control, and safety procedures.
Ability to maintain accurate patient records and documentation.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, coworkers, and the public.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to provide compassionate and professional patient care.
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Ability to assist in training dental assisting students or interns.

Other Qualifications

Graduation from high school or GED.
Graduation from CODA accredited dental assisting program and Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential from DANB; or
Employment as Certified Dental Assistant I with 2-years of the preceding 5, consisting of at least 3,000 hours; and
Completion of Infection Control Course and Dental Office Emergencies Course or obtain both certifications within six months of hire date.
Dental Radiography Certificate.
Coronal Polishing Certification.
Nitrous Oxide Certification.
CPR certification or obtain within 6-months of hire date.
Possess a valid NC Driver’s License.

Benefits

Alexander County is a rewarding and supportive workplace, where employees are valued and encouraged to grow.

We offer a full compensation package including quality benefits that include flexible options designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families.

HEALTH CARE
Medical Insurance – Employee medical insurance is 100% paid provided wellness incentive requirements are met. Spouse and family coverage is available at employee expense per pay period:

Child: $75.00 Children: $225.00 Spouse: $250.00 Family: $425.00

Dental Insurance – Employee dental insurance is 100% paid. Spouse and family coverage is available at employee expense per pay period:

Child(ren): $19.28 Spouse: $21.47 Family: $59.52

Vision Insurance – Employee vision insurance is 100% paid. Spouse and family coverage is available at employee expense per pay period:

Child(ren): $4.19 Spouse: $3.77 Family: $8.12

WELLNESS

Health Clinic – Available to all County employees and dependents covered under the medical insurance plan. Covered visits include ear infections, colds, first aid, physicals, and other acute care needs.

Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) – The medical plan offers alternative therapies such as acupuncture, hypnotherapy, massage therapy, yoga, and others. Specific requirements must be met for partial reimbursement - refer to the employee benefit guide for more information.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Counseling services are available to all employees and dependents in the home. Services are provided in a private and confidential setting. The County provides coverage for the first five visits per year.

YMCA – No joining or monthly membership fees for eligible employees. Employees may opt to upgrade their membership to a family rate of $7.50 per pay period.

Genesis Fitness – Discounted member fees for eligible employees - refer to the employee benefit guide for more information.

WORK/LIFE BALANCE

Holidays – Twelve days of paid leave are provided throughout the year to eligible employees.

Sick Leave – Employees earn eight hours per month; EMS employees earn 11 hours per month.

Annual Leave – Employees earn prorated hours per month based upon years of service and hours worked.

Birth Month Leave – Employees will receive the equivalent hours of one regular workday added to their annual leave on the second day of their birth month.

Community Involvement Leave – Employees earn eight hours per calendar year, expiring on December 31.

Bereavement Leave – Employees are given 24 hours of paid leave to grieve the loss of an immediate family member.

Parental Leave – Eligible employees can request up to 6 weeks of paid leave per calendar year.

Discount Tickets – Discount tickets to various recreational venues including AMC Theaters, Carowinds, Tweetsie Railroad, Biltmore Estate, and others.

FINANCIAL STABILITY

NC Local Government Retirement System – The Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System (LGERS) is a defined benefit plan. Full-time and eligible part-time employees are automatically enrolled in the system. Employees contribute a mandatory, fixed 6% on a pre-tax basis. An employee is considered vested after five years of contributory service.

Life Insurance – $12,500 of Life and AD&D at no cost to the employee. Additional coverage is available at employee expense.

Longevity – After five (5) years of continuous full-time County service, employees receive an annual lump sum payment of 1.5% of their salary during their anniversary month. Moving forward, the amount increases by .10 per year based upon years of service.

401k and 457 Deferred Compensation – The County will match full-time and eligible part-time employee's voluntary 401(k) contribution, up to 2% of their salary. Sworn Law Enforcement Officers (LEO) receive an additional automatic 5% County contribution.

Tuition Reimbursement – Employees who have completed their initial probationary period are eligible to participate in the tuition reimbursement program of up to $1,000 per semester in qualified expenses.

Supplemental Benefits – The County partners with Aflac, as an employee option, for additional supplemental benefits.

Local Government Federal Credit Union (CIVIC) – Memberships are available to County employees.

For additional details on benefits, please review the Alexander County policies at www.alexandercountync.gov or
contact the Human Resources Department at (828) 632-1132.

Supplemental Questions

Please select your highest level of education completed.

Some High School
High School/GED
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree or higher

Did you graduate from a CODA accredited dental assisting program and earned the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential through DANB?

How many years of experience do you have as a Dental Assistant?

None
Less than 1 year
1 - 2 years
2 - 3 years
3 - 4 years
4 - 5 years
5 + years

Have you worked as a Certified Dental Assistant I for at least two of the past five years, with a minimum of 3,000 hours of experience during that time?

Do you hold an active Dental Radiography Certificate?

Do you hold an active Coronal Polishing Certification?

Do you hold an active Nitrous Oxide Certification?

Do you hold an active CPR certification?

Do you have a valid North Carolina driver's license?

Have you completed an Infection Control Course?

Have you completed a Dental Office Emergencies Course?

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer: Alexander County, NC
Address: 621 Liledoun Rd

Taylorsville, North Carolina, 28681
Phone: 828-632-9332
Website: https://alexandercountync.gov/

Dental Assistant II