Job Announcement

The Fairfax County Health Department is a progressive public health leader serving 1.2 million residents from diverse ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds. With more than 100 years of leadership in the field, we are committed to promoting population health, protecting public health and the environment, and ensuring residents' equitable access to health services and information.

Under the supervision of the Public Health Dentist, the incumbent is responsible for performing a variety of both technical and administrative work providing dental assistance to a diverse community of clients on a daily and recurring basis. Responsible for scheduling, receiving, and preparing patients for dental treatment, preparing and maintaining dental instruments and equipment, assisting the Public Health Dentist at chair-side in the treatment of patients, performing dental radiography work, and keeping records of appointments, examinations, treatment and supplies.

Note: Health Department positions are designated as emergency responders in the event of a public health crisis. As a public health emergency responder, this position may be reassigned to provide support based on the emergency response service needs. The temporary reassignment may require employees to function in a role outside of the typical job duties. The emergency response may also require employees to work alternative work schedules to include weekend and evenings.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all inclusive list.)
Knowledge in the clinical application of Infection Control Procedures;
Knowledge of dental instruments, equipment and maintenance;
Knowledge of and the ability to apply the modern principles, practices, and techniques of dental assisting;
Knowledge of current materials and methods used in a community dental health program;
Knowledge of dental anatomy to take diagnostic dental radiographs;
Ability to operate dental x-ray equipment and film developing devices;
Ability to deal courteously and effectively with patients and the public;
Ability to accurately maintain records;
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Employment Standards

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
completion of high school or vocational school, a GED certificate; plus two years of four-handed dentistry experience, or successful completion of an American Dental Association accredited Dental Assistant program and some experience in four-handed dental work.

Click here to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to."

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Intraoral Radiology Certified.
AED - Required within 60 days
CPR - Required within 60 days

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a Child Protective Services Registry, and a sanction screening to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two years of experience providing dental assistance and dental chairside assistance in a dental clinical setting.
• Experience and desire working with ethnically diverse populations to promote health and wellbeing.
• Proven ability to interact in a friendly, service-oriented and professional manner with patients and colleagues.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; must be detail oriented, and demonstrate effective and customer-oriented communication skills.
• Strength in developing collaborative and respectful working relationships.
• Ability to demonstrate compassion and flexibility to support positive outcomes for patients
• Ability to interact professionally, courteously and effectively with patients and the public.
• Knowledge of federal, state and institutional regulations and guidelines for the provision of dental services.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Employee is required to walk, stand, sit, bend, kneel, reach, and climb stairs and carrying of items under 15 lbs. in weight
Uses hands to grasp, handle or feel
Visual acuity is required to read data on a computer monitor and conduct dental care
Ability to operate keyboard driven equipment
Position frequently communicates and must be able to exchange accurate information with others verbally and in writing
All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview; may include practical exercise.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or status as a veteran in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.