Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant

Department:
Dental

Program:
Dental

Reports to:

Dental Manager

Employment Status:
Full Time

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt

Schedule:

40 Hours/52 Weeks

Preference: TERO Ordinance 2017-01, P.L. 93-638

Job Summary

Performs chair side assistance and related duties in all phases of restorative, prosthodontic, surgical, endodontic, interceptive orthodontic and periodontal treatment as provided in general dentistry.

Essential Functions

• Prepares Un'ina, sterilizes and disinfects instruments, sets up trays, prepares materials and assists dentist during dental procedures
• Receives, reassures, and routes patients (un'inas) for treatment in DWC Dental
• Lays out all instruments and materials needed for each treatment properly; prepares un'ina operatory
• Assists dentist in all phases of general dentistry, utilizing techniques for four handed sit-down dentistry
• Passes instruments and materials to the dentist
• Keeps intra-oral area of operation clear using high-speed evacuator, suction tip and irrigation; retracts tissue, tongue and cheek
• Aids the dentist in calming fearful un'inas and if necessary, controlling un'ina movements. Alert to the condition of un'ina during treatment for signs of fainting, shock or other distress
• Operates dental x-ray equipment to take digital and panograph radiographs
• Performs intra-oral procedures as directed by dentist
• Takes preliminary impressions for study models
• Pours and trims models from impressions, constructs mouth guards and bleaching trays, and places and removes rubber dams
• Administers fluoride treatments and sealants
• Relays dentist's instruction to un'ina for post-treatment care. Instructs un'ina on brushing and flossing techniques
• Records medical history of un'inas; documents the examination and treatment information relayed by dentist
• Routes un'inas for medical tests and services when required
• Cleans and sterilizes materials, instruments and equipment including and preparing sterile trays for chair side use
• Maintains operatories in neat and orderly fashion and within standards for clean dental procedures
• Observes appropriate infection control measures pre-and post-operatively
• Provides exceptional customer service
• Receives un'inas to the department in a friendly, professional and courteous manner
• Answers phones and direct calls to appropriate staff members of the department. Takes messages as required
• Determines which can be handled by staff members and which need management. Personally responds to non-technical questions regarding department
• Assists un'inas by providing accurate information that meets the un'inas' needs the first time
• Adhere to the Tribe's policies and procedures

It is the intent of this job description to highlight the essential functions of the position; however, it is not an all-inclusive list. The incumbent may be called upon and required to follow or perform other duties and tasks requested by his/her supervisor, consistent with the purpose of the position, department and/or the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's objectives.

Working Conditions

Lifting Requirements

• 
  Light work
  Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that of sedentary work and if the worker sits most of the time, the job is considered light work

Physical Requirements

• Stand or Sit (Stationary position)
• Walk (Move, Traverse)
• Use hands/fingers to handle or feel (Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position)
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl (Position self (to), Move)
• Talk/hear (Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information)
• See (Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess)
• Pushing or Pulling
• Repetitive Motion

Hazards and Atmospheric Conditions

• Wet
• Noise
• Vibration
• Mists or Gases
• Mechanical Hazards
• Chemical Hazards
• Burn Hazards
• Sharp Hazards

OSHA Categories

• Category I Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue

Equipment and Tools

List Equipment used for job:
Computer and other office equipment

List Tools:
Standard Dental tools

Travel

• Local
• In-State

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Completed Dental Assistant program from an accredited school, may substitute education with years of experience

Experience

• Must have one year of recent Dental Assistant experience which includes training in dental radiology
• Experience working with Alaska Native or American Indian people preferred

Preferred

• Knowledge and experience working with cultural diversities

License/Certification

• Must possess valid Alaska driver's license and remain insurable under the Tribe's insurance policy

Special Skills

• Good oral and written communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Must be able to obtain IHS radiology certification within 30 days of hire

This position is a Covered Position subject to all requirements of the Alaska Barrier Crimes Act (ABCA) and to the Indian Child…