Job Summary In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Certified Dental

Assistant provides assistance to qualified dental staff in the clinic and performs a variety of dental work procedures such as setting up instruments and supplies, performing restorative duties and intra-oral procedures during dental treatment, and performs other duties as permitted by the legislation of the College of Dental Surgeons of B.C. for a certified dental assistant. Arranges appointments, maintains patient records and an inventory of supplies, and performs other related clerical duties.

Duties/Accountabilities

- Participates in management of patients with medical compromise and with possible exposure to medical risk; performs all chair-side duties, maintains infection control, and coordinates booking for Dentistry. Assists the Dentist with screening of patients and assessment of dental needs to set priorities for dental visits; schedules appointments by contacting medical and dental laboratories to see if work is complete; contacts units and community services and arranges appointments in the dental clinic.
- Prepares and sets up instruments, equipment and supplies required for dental work such as cleansing instruments and dressings, cleansing and polishing removable prosthesis, and preparing restorative bases and filling materials.




- Exposes and processes analogue and digital diagnostic quality dental radiographs. Takes dental impressions and prepares study models. Performs intra-oral procedures such as cleaning and polishing teeth, delivering fluoride carriers to patients, and applying desensitizing agents and fissure sealants. Performs procedures during dental treatment such as passing instruments to dentist, mixing restorative materials, assists dentist with applications and suctions during treatment.

- Positions patients for dental work, explains the dental work procedures and oral hygiene instructions, and answers related questions. Evaluates mouth cleaning effectiveness and demonstrates preventative techniques to inpatients and outpatients.
- Communicates with Dentist and a variety of departments including hospital units, Consult Services and external agencies as necessary to adjust appointment schedules, while ensuring that patient care is not jeopardized.
- Ensures patient charts are requested for patient appointments; checks patient chart and treatment plan for completeness, and files treatment plans alphabetically.
- Maintains patient records and checks for completeness and accuracy of dental and medical health records. Boxes and files study models, files photographs,



dictation, reports, letters and laboratory reports until further follow up is required by the Dentist.

Completes required reports by methods such as recording workload statistics, filling in forms, and distributing information as required in accordance with established procedures.

- Maintains levels of dental supplies, linen, stores and pharmacy supplies in accordance with established levels by counting stock and completing requisitions to ensure an adequate supply of materials is on hand;
- Reports equipment malfunctions, performs minor repairs and maintenance on dental equipment such as changing light bulbs, and arranges for repair by following established routine service procedures.
- Fosters a culture of patient and staff safety by assuming responsibility for security of immediate work area by completing routine security checks and maintaining security protocols.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications Education, Training and Experience

- Graduation from a recognized Certified Dental Assistant program plus one (1) 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 perform the duties of the position
- Ability to organize work.
- Ability to operate related equipment.

📌 Certified Dental Assistant - Minimum and Medium Security Units (Port Coquitlam)
🏢 Provincial Health Services Authority
📍 Port Coquitlam