Vancouver

Certified Dental Assistant

PHS Community Services Society is hiring a Certified Dental Assistant.

The Portland Community Dental Clinic (PCDC), a non-profit dental clinic, provides comprehensive oral health care to individuals residing or working in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, regardless of ability to pay. PCDC patients often live within extreme poverty, are on a fixed income and may be navigating substance use and mental health challenges.

The Dental Assistant works as a member of an interdisciplinary team that provides high-quality, comprehensive dental care. They are experienced at providing chairside assistance to dentists, performing dental procedures and related administrative support duties. They will also be required to clean and sterilize dental equipment and instruments.

As a member of the PCDC team, the Dental Assistant promotes a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment, ensuring excellent customer service and care to patients in need of both emergency and preventative dental services. The Dental Hygienist works in consultation with the attending dentist, and reports to the Senior Manager of Programs.

Why work here?

PCDC is unique in its commitment to engaging and providing dental care to a population of Canadians who are often unable to access dental care due to barriers of income and/or insurance coverage. PCDC has been a part of Vancouver’s DTES for over 20 years and aims to contribute to reducing the impact of marginalization and poverty through access to oral health.

We are able to offer an excellent benefits package.

You will be a valued member of the team, working with colleagues and patients who greatly respect your input.

The Portland Community Dental Clinic is located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, in easy walking distance of Downtown, Chinatown, Gastown and the Seawall. There are good transit links – we’re a couple of blocks from the Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain station.

Responsibilities

Job duties include (but are not limited to):

  • Provides chairside assistance to dentists. Prepares and sets up instruments, equipment and supplies, passing instruments to dentist, assisting dentist with applications and suctions, inserting and removing rubber dams and clamps, preparing restorative bases and filling materials, and setting up, taking and developing dental x-rays.
  • Assists in preparation for patient appointments by performing duties such as obtaining patient and x-ray files, positioning patients for dental work, and providing instructions related to dental work procedures, post-operative care and oral hygiene.
  • Follows up on patient treatment requirements by performing duties such as assessing urgency, and providing information to patients.
  • Performs administrative support duties such as gathering required patient information, dental histories and details regarding financial assistance requirements. Completes documentation required for admission scheduling and confirming patients for programs and services. Maintains waitlists and enters data into computerized programs. Compiles screening statistics and responds to inquiries.
  • Cleans and sterilizes dental equipment and instruments.
  • Monitors supply and equipment inventories. Identifies requirements, prepares and processes of invoice, stocks shelves, and distributes clinic supplies as needed. Follows up to obtain information and resolve discrepancies as required.

 Education and experience

  • Minimum of a Grade 12 education.
  • Certified Dental Assistant Certificate
  • Registration and licensure as a Certified Dental Assistant
  • Recent, related experience of one year or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
  • 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 and prioritize.
  • Knowledge of materials, techniques and instruments used by dentists as related to chairside dental assisting.

Terms of employment

Job Type: Permanent, full-time.

Schedule:  Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

Hours: 37.5 per week.

Benefits: Extended healthcare, dental, vision care and a municipal pension.

Union: CUPE 5536.

Collective Agreement: Community Subsector Association, CBA

Wage: Grid 19, Step 2 – $26.78.

Successful applicants will be required to complete a criminal records check.

PHS strives to create an inclusive and welcoming workplace that reflects the community we serve.  We seek a diversity of skills, knowledge, backgrounds, and professional and lived experience in our staff.  We particularly encourage applications from Indigenous individuals.

How to apply

Send your resume to jobs@phs.ca today! Please include a cover letter identifying the position title you are applying for, and the qualities and competencies that would make you a suitable candidate.

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