Dental Assistant

Job Summary Incumbent performs chair-side assistance duties in all phases of restorative, prosthodontics, surgical, endodontic, interceptive orthodontic and periodontal treatments as provided in general dentistry. In addition, has clinical maintenance, record keeping responsibilities, and other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS The Dental Assistant maintains dental equipment in a clean and operative condition and properly stores and maintains adequate levels of supplies. Lays out all instruments and materials needed for each treatment and prepares patient and operator.

Assists dentist at chair-side as required in all phases of general dentistry, utilizing techniques for four-handed sit-down dentistry. Passes instruments and materials to and retrieves them from the dentist; keeps intra-oral area of operation clear using high speed evacuator, suction tip and irrigation; retracts tissue, tongue and cheek. In surgical procedures maintains aseptic condition, stabilizes tissue for dentist and cuts sutures.

Keeps alert to condition of patient during treatment for signs of fainting, shock or other distress.

Operates dental x-ray equipment to take intra and extra-oral radiographs. Pours and trims models for impressions and constructs custom impressions trays.

Takes preliminary impressions for study models, removes sutures and places / removes rubber dams.

Obtains and records pre-operative and post-operative pressure and pulse of oral surgery patients as instructed by dentist or indication of hypertension in patient medical history.

Relays dentist’ instructions to patient for post-treatment care. Instructs patient in brushing / flossing techniques and care of prosthodontics appliances. Records information relayed by dentist on prescriptions and other forms for dentist signature. Schedules follow-up appointment(s) as necessary.

Public Relations Welcomes and provides information to visitors, vendors, and tribal members either in person, phone, or social media.

Schedules patient appointments for each dental provider. Completes reminder call one day prior to scheduled appointment. Adheres to rescheduling appointment protocol.

Receives telephone calls from patients and visitors. Screens call for nature of contact and respond to questions or direct the visitors to the appropriate department or employee. Prioritizes all incoming calls and immediately refers the call to the appropriate personnel as needed

Assists and follows up with patients regarding the Dolly Jensen Fund eligibility information and approval process. Assists in Medicaid and private insurance service authorization.

Attends and participates in appropriate administrative committee meetings. Teamwork’s with other administrative staff in preparation, participation, and closure of public meetings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of dentistry, particularly dental procedures, instruments and hygiene;

Knowledgeable and proficient in dental terminology and procedures;

Skilled in administering dental x-rays;

Skilled and proficient with dental, scheduling, office and other software;

Skilled in customer service and communication to ensure patients feel comfortable before, during, and after appointments;

Ability to organize to make the dentist job easier and ensure all procedural trays are in place in advance;

Ability to recognize, identify, and resolve problems and issues without direct supervision;

Ability to work independently;

Ability to be flexible in order to perform at the highest level as a team player;

Ability to take directions from supervisor and/or designee;

Ability to maintain confidentiality of all KIC operations and staff.

Physical Activities Include Work may be sedentary with walking, stair climb, carrying documents and light weight…