Dental Intern

POSITION TITLE:   Dental Health Center Support Internship
DEPARTMENT:   Dental Health Center: Lower Level Medical Plaza Building
EFFECTIVE DATE:  6-11-18
REPORTS TO:      Sara Sodawasser             PHONE: 369-7056

APPROVED BY:      Angela Berns, Manager, Volunteer Services

ST. LUKE’S MISSION – Our ultimate purpose: To give the healthcare we’d like our loved ones to receive.

CORE VALUES:

1. Patients first
2. Doing the right thing
3. Care in our heart
4. Respect for all
5. Teamwork

POSITION SUMMARY: The 45 hour internship is designed to provide an interested volunteer the opportunity for career exploration in a public health dental clinic where comprehensive care is provided to children from low income families and developmentally disabled people.

HOSPITAL IMPACT/PURPOSE of ASSIGNMENT: Assist the staff in providing the healthcare we’d like our loved ones to receive. Care of this magnitude is focused on, and considerate of, the needs of the whole person, body and mind.  

HOURS of ASSIGNMENT

1. The 45 hour internship will be scheduled by intern and DHC Supervisor. 
2. Hours will be during the Monday through Friday workweek between the hours of 8:00-4:30. Lunch break is 12:00-12:45.  Shifts will usually be 3-8 hours and depend on clinic need.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Job Shadowing as appropriate. Interact with DHC dentists, University of Iowa dental students, DHC Supervisor, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and front office staff.
2. Intern will perform duties assigned by DHC staff. These duties may include: cleaning and maintaining work areas, clerical duties, escorting patients, stocking supplies, supporting instrument sterilization protocol, helping patients feel comfortable.
3. Demonstrate awareness of patient and personal safety by practicing correct body mechanics and standard precautions for infection control in performing job duties.
4. Maintain patient and visitor safety.  Report any safety hazards to your supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

1. Extroverted, mature, cooperative, positive service-oriented individual with effective communication skills and positive body language.
2. Dependable.
3. Experienced with or capable of acquiring computer skills.
4. Sensitive to the needs and concerns of patients, families and guests.  Enjoys interacting with people.
5. Exercises good judgment.
6. Knows how to find and use resources related to assignment.
7. Performs assignment responsibilities by following St. Luke’s “Standards of Excellence.”
8. Has good hearing and listening skills.
9. Possesses a clear speaking voice and the ability to communicate clearly in English.
10. Possesses high integrity and maintains confidentiality.
11. Able to push a wheelchair and/or Staxi unit.
12. Able to walk long distance repetitively/stand for up to 4 hour shifts.
13. Able to cope effectively with stressful situations and time constraints.
14. Considers “age-specific requirements” when dealing with patients, families and guests.
15. Good manual dexterity.
16. Practices infection control.  Repetitive hand hygiene, done in view of patients and guests, is essential.  
17. Adheres to the St. Luke’s Volunteer dress code.

INITIAL ORIENTATION & TRAINING

1. Complete a St. Luke’s Volunteer application and interview.
2. Complete a Volunteer Health Exam, TB testing and provide Immunization Documentation.
3. Attend St. Luke’s Volunteer Orientation which includes:
1. HIPPA
2. Confidentiality
3. Infection Control
4. Cultural Sensitivity in Healthcare
5. Safety & Security
6. Hospital Codes