Certified Dental Assistant

Description:

BC Children’s Hospital, under the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), is seeking a Certified Dental Assistant to join its dynamic and dedicated dental team. The successful candidate will provide essential chairside assistance and clinical support to dentists performing a wide range of procedures within the Outpatient Dental Clinic, Dental Operating Room, and offsite Dental OR locations.

The BC Children’s Dental Clinic specializes in preventive and therapeutic oral health care, diagnosis, and consultation for infants, young children, and medically complex pediatric patients. As part of this team, the Certified Dental Assistant will play a crucial role in ensuring patient comfort, clinical efficiency, and adherence to provincial regulations and infection control standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist dentists in all clinical procedures performed in outpatient and operating room settings.

• Ensure completeness and accuracy of dental and medical records, and prepare statistical reports for the department.

• Maintain dental instruments, equipment, and supplies, ensuring readiness and compliance with infection control protocols.

• Expose and process analog and digital dental radiographs; prepare impressions, models, and perform lab-related duties.

• Conduct prophylaxis, fluoride, and fissure sealant procedures under the dentist’s supervision.

• Demonstrate preventive dental techniques and provide oral health education to patients and families.

• Participate in maintaining quality assurance standards and documentation.

• Assist in practice management tasks including patient scheduling, supply management, and clinic organization.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the dental department.

Education Requirements:

• Graduation from a recognized Certified Dental Assistant program.

• Current registration and licensure as a Certified Dental Assistant under the BC Dentist Act.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.

• Effective interpersonal skills with patients, families, and staff.

• Physical ability to perform clinical duties efficiently.

• Knowledge and application of infection control and sterilization standards.

• Familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety, Humility, and Anti-Racism frameworks in healthcare.

• Understanding of legislative frameworks and cultural competency principles, including:

  • Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015)

  • In Plain Sight (2020)

  • BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019)

  • UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)

  • Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019)

Work Schedule:

• Days: Tuesday – Friday

• Hours: Variable shifts (07:30–15:30, 08:00–16:00, 09:00–17:00)

• Work Site: 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 2N9

Benefits and Perks:

• Comprehensive benefits package including extended health and dental coverage.

• Enrollment in the Municipal Pension Plan.

• Access to over 2,000 professional development and training courses.

• 13 annual statutory holidays and generous vacation entitlements.

• Access to PHSA’s WorkPerks discount program offering national and local discounts.

• Psychological health and holistic wellness programs.

• Opportunities for growth, recognition, and advancement within PHSA.

• Flexible work arrangements (eligibility-dependent).

About BC Children’s Dental Clinic:

The BC Children’s Dental Clinic provides preventive treatment, oral health diagnosis, and expert consultations for infants, young children under 4 years of age, and medically complex children and youth. It supports patients with conditions such as cancer, congenital heart disease, cleft lip/palate, autism, and other developmental or medical complexities, ensuring compassionate and specialized care tailored to their needs.