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Job Title:

Dental Assistant 3 - Mobile Dental Practice

Agency:

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Job Requisition ID:

JR0000001658

Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Compensation Details:

$53,000.00

Job Description:

Location: Based at East Central Regional Hospital - Gracewood Campus (Augusta, GA) - Daily Travel across 26 Rural Counties within DBHDD's Region 2 Area

Position Overview

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is seeking a compassionate, skilled Dental Assistant 3 to assist the dentist and/or hygienist in chair-side dentistry and support the clinical operations of our Mobile Dental Clinic. Some assistance will be required at the Gracewood campus clinic.

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) living in rural Georgia face steep barriers to oral healthcare-including long travel distances, sensory sensitivities, physical inaccessibility, and a critical shortage of specialized providers. Without timely care, these individuals face high rates of preventable pain, infection, and emergency department visits.

The DBHDD Mobile Dental Clinic exists to dismantle these barriers. Operating from our home base at the Gracewood campus in Augusta, our mobile unit travels daily across 26 rural counties within DBHDD's Region 2, delivering high-quality, patient-centered care directly to IDD Day Service Centers and community facilities.

As a Dental Assistant 3, you will combine direct chair-side assistance with operational leadership support - performing a key function as a dedicated team member, maintaining rigorous clinical standards, and serving as a champion for health equity across rural Georgia.

Why Join This Mission?

• Meaningful, Purpose-Driven Work: Provide essential dental care to an underserved population in familiar environments that minimize patient anxiety.

• Predictable Schedule & State Benefits: Enjoy a structured, daytime travel schedule along with comprehensive State of Georgia employment benefits, paid leave, and robust retirement options.

• Highly Competitive Pay: Earn a competitive salary designed to attract and reward skilled Dental Assistants in our region.

Key Responsibilities & Expectations

Chairside Assistance

• Provide dental assistance during examinations, preventative treatments, and restorative or surgical procedures

• Prepare, transfer, and anticipate tool and material needs during clinical care.

• Maintain a clear operating field using suction wands, air-water syringes, and cotton rolls.

Infection Control and Operational Readiness

• Sanitize instruments, equipment, and treatment space strictly adhering to state, federal and departmental standards and regulations.

• Prepare, stock, and disinfect treatment space between patient visits to ensure optimal workflow.

• Accurately document treatment notes, chart dental findings, and log patient interactions in the electronic medical records system.

Patient Education & Advocacy

• Advise and instruct patients, care givers, and facility staff regarding preventive oral care, treatment plans, and ongoing oral hygiene management.

• Utilize sensory-friendly and adaptive communication approaches tailored to adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

This position requires active physical mobility and comfort with traveling and operating equipment outside of a standard office setting:

• Vehicle Operation & Travel: Operate a mobile clinic vehicle (16-foot box truck equipped with a Tommy Gate), including fueling and routine operational checks.

• Equipment Transport: Push and pull wheeled dental unit carts from parking lots into partner facilities; carry supplies and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.

• Patient Transfers: Assist team members in safely transferring patients (including individuals with high BMI) from wheelchairs or scooters to the dental chair (training provided).

• Clinical Demands: Remain standing or sitting for prolonged periods during procedures; perform repetitive wrist, hand, and finger movements typical of clinical dentistry; maneuver body positions as needed to accomplish clinical tasks.

• Environmental Exposure: Experience variable outdoor temperature conditions during equipment loading, unloading, and site transitions.

Qualifications & Credentials

• Driver's License: Valid Georgia Driver's License (willingness to drive the mobile clinic truck; training provided).

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Special Populations Experience: Work experience serving individuals with intellectual, developmental, or complex physical and behavioral needs.

• Experience managing front desk operations.

• Travel Flexibility: Flexibility to travel daily across the 26-county region, with availability for occasional overnight trips to other regions in Georgia as needed.

• Collaborative and Cohesive Focus: Engage in strong teamwork and cross-functional communication with the mobile healthcare staff to streamline daily operations and resolve complex care delivery challenges.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School diploma/GED and two (2) years of experience in a dental setting; or a Vocational/Technical degree in dental assisting from an accredited college and one (1) year of experience as a dental assistant; or one (1) year experience at the lower level Dental Asst 2 (HCS011) or position equivalent.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.
Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.