Remote Area Oral Health Assistant

About the role

The Royal Flying Doctor Service South Australia / Northern Territory (RFDS SA/NT) is expanding its dental services in remote South Australia and the Northern Territory. It is recruiting a Remote Area Oral Health Assistant to provide clinical and administrative dental assisting support to its dental clinicians, based out of Adelaide or Port Augusta. The position is permanent or casual, involves periods away from home travelling in aircraft or driving to communities, and carries salary packaging options.

Key responsibilities

• Provide clinical chairside support to dentists and dental hygienists
• Communicate effectively in a healthcare setting using appropriate dental and healthcare terminology
• Undertake general administrative duties
• Assist in preparing and exposing radiographs
• Maintain infection control standards in line with RFDS, ADA, AS/NZS 5369:2023 and NSQHS standards
• Reprocess reusable instruments according to NSQHS standards and RFDS procedures

Required profile

• Certificate III in Dental Assisting
• Significant experience in chairside dental assisting and dental practice administration
• High standards of infection control and demonstrated experience in sterilisation and instrument reprocessing
• Experience in rural, remote or population health settings and in a cross-cultural environment
• Confident problem solver willing to work in non-traditional environments; regional or remote experience is a bonus
• Current Australian driver's licence, and must meet mandatory vaccination requirements and undergo pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, background checks and possibly a medical assessment

Required skills

• Working knowledge of infection control, sterilisation and waste segregation
• Competency in electronic patient record systems

What we offer

• Supportive environment with professional development opportunities
• Reward and recognition program and Employee Values Awards
• Employee Assistance Program and comprehensive orientation for new starters
• Annual salary packaging up to $15,899 towards loans, rent and bills, plus an additional $2,650 meal and entertainment card