Certified Dental Assistant

Position Title: Certified Dental Assistant
Current Program: Oral Health
Position Available: ASAP
FTE: 1.0
Position Category: Temporary, Full-Time (1.0 FTE, 35 hours per week Up to March 31, 2027
Reports To: Manager, Oral Health
Union: CUPE Local 4170 (Legacy PPH)
Wage: $28.91 - $32.09 per hour 
Office(s): Peterborough
Posting ID: 26-032-D

Position Summary 

As a member of the Clinical Services Division, the Certified Dental Assistant is accountable to Clinical Services Management for the implementation of the oral health components of the assigned requirements of the School Health Standard of the Ontario Public Health Standards (OPHS) 2018, related protocols and other Duties as assigned by Clinical Services Management. 

The Certified Dental Assistant is expected to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team to apply and/or choose established methods or procedures to complete assigned work. 

Direction is to be sought when solutions to problems are not apparent and/or are not within the intent of established practices including scope of practice. 

This position is 5 days/week on site in clinic, however, may involve travel and variations to the working day.

Duties and Responsibilities will include:

Administration and Human Resources

• Maintains knowledge of and complies with Health Unit and divisional policies and procedures and relevant legislation.
• Maintains knowledge of and complies with the current collective agreement with the local bargaining unit of CUPE.
• Participates in performance management.
• Advises Director/Manager of issues, needs and accomplishments.
• Generates regular, timely, complete and accurate records and reports to adequately reflect the implementation of the assigned program areas and reports as required by Clinical Services Management and/or the MOH.
• In consultation with Clinical Services Division members and Management, may assist in the planning, preceptorship and evaluation of placements for students in appropriate fields of study.
• Works in accordance with the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.
• Consults with the Chief Nursing Officer on matters related to professional practice.
• Use excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Apply initiative, tact, diplomacy, and judgment in work related and engagements that impact the workplace.
• Use excellent planning, organization and problem-solving skills.
• Adhere to provincial standards and internal policies related to infection prevention and control processes.
• Ability to work productively and efficiently without the need for close supervision.
• Is able to work effectively and respectfully with others.
• Adapt to new, different and/or changing requirements.

Professional 

• Provides information and advice to Clinical Services Management, Health Unit staff, community partners and the general public regarding assigned program areas.
• Maintains competency by attending appropriate continuing education workshops, conferences and seminars, through private study and/or participation in networks as approved by Clinical Services Management.
• Maintains effective working relationships with Health Unit staff, and personnel of other community agencies and volunteers.
• Liaises with Ministry Consultants, elected and appointed Officials, other health units, provincial organizations, and other agencies in consultation with Clinical Services Management and/or the MOH.
• Represents the Health Unit, division and/or assigned program areas on committees, boards and task forces as appropriate and as approved by Clinical Services Management.
• Documents in accordance with organizational policies and procedures and Ministry reporting requirements.

Financial 

• May recommend to Clinical Services Division members and Management the purchase of equipment, supplies and materials necessary for the assigned programs.
• In consultation with Clinical Services Management, may prepare budget for assigned projects, obtaining community partner input (and approval, if necessary) as appropriate.
• May assist in the preparation of proposals for external funding to enhance programs and research projects.
• May provide input to draft financial reports for approval by Clinical Services Management in preparation for submission to outside funders as required.

Program

• Participates in collaborative, cooperative, coordinated work within assigned program areas and with other Health Unit staff and partners as appropriate to support the efficient and effective implementation of assigned programs.
• Participates in the implementation of the emergency preparedness and response plan as assigned.
• In collaboration with Clinical Services Division members and community partners/clients as appropriate, participates in the assessment, planning, development, implementation, evaluation and documentation of assigned Clinical Services Division programs including appropriate preventive oral health education and promotion, provision of dental screening assessments, and the provision of clinical dental preventive services.
• Participate in division, team and individual meetings as requested by Clinical Services Management for the purpose of ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of assigned programs.
• Participates in existing community partnerships as assigned and/or creates community partnerships to facilitate implementation of assigned programs.
• Participates in research projects as assigned.
• Maintains appropriate standards of infection control in all programs.
• Participates in the administration and promotion of the Healthy Smiles Ontario Program.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement initiatives as assigned.
• Complies with the Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee’s relevant best practice documents.

Physical

• Works in a safe manner as required by Occupational Health and Safety legislation.
• Performs work in an environment with frequent exposure to major disagreeable conditions or hazards.
• Does medium physical activity of long duration and heavy activity of intermediate duration.
• Performs work involving almost continuous periods of mental, visual and/or auditory concentration of intermediate duration and/or frequent periods of long duration.
• Detects and works toward eliminating health hazards in all assigned areas.

Qualifications:

Education

• College certificate for Level II Certified Dental Assistant

Experience

• Two years in a private dental practice
• Community/public health dental is preferred

Other

• Proof of membership in the Ontario Dental Assistants Association
• Proficiency in the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for the role of Public Health, Front Line Provider as defined by the Core Competencies for Public Health in Canada
• Customer service and interpersonal skills at a level to develop and maintain cooperative/collaborative working relationships both within and outside the organization
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize workload, meet deadlines, and deal with multiple demands
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills with the ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Demonstrates initiative consistently with a commitment to quality and process improvement
• Working knowledge of the OPHS
• Valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a vehicle
• Current and satisfactory Criminal Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Check
• Proof of immunizations required by Lakelands Public Health
• Satisfactory completion of probationary period (6 months)
• Current CPR and First Aid (HCP level) or willingness to be certified at this level within two months of hire