Dental Assistant

Under clinical supervision of a Dentist and under administrative supervision of the Director of Health Services helps provides a variety of preventative and restorative dental care services to SRPMIC patients. Works to provide high quality dental care and hygiene education to patients.
This job class is treated as FLSA Non-exempt.

Essential functions may vary among positions and may include the following tasks and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be comprehensive list of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

Clinical:
Provides chair-side assistance duties for the Dentist in all phases or restoration, prosthodontic, surgical, endodontic and periodontal treatment.

• Must be fully functional in all aspects of the job within 6 months of obtaining Dental Assistant (DA) Certification.
• Assists with all routine, advanced and specialty procedures, including dental examinations, oral surgery and general dentistry.
• Works with varnishes, sealants, dental films and impression models
• Provides compassionate care for all patient age groups, especially children, youth, and elders.
• Performs routine prophylaxis and topical fluoride treatment assigned by the Dentist.
• Operates dental x-ray equipment to take intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs.
• Processes and mounts radiographic films.
• Provides patient education and instruction in prevention of oral diseases and post-service and operative care.
• Maintains professional knowledge regarding new procedures and emerging issues in oral health.
• Cleans, packages and sterilizes all dental instruments, utilizing autoclave, and ultrasonic cleaner.
• Takes primary dental impressions for study model, pours stone and trims model.

Administrative:
Acts as Receptionist. Answers phone calls and schedules patients.

• Pulls and files medical records.
• Maintains supply levels and requisitions supplies for the dental clinic.

Miscellaneous:
Performs other job-related tasks as assigned by the Dentist or Director of Health Services.

• Knowledge of the history, culture, haws, ordinances, customs and traditions of the SRPMIC.
• Knowledge of general dental clinic procedures.
• Knowledge of infection control and blood borne pathogens precautions.
• Knowledge of appointment scheduling procedures.
• Knowledge of customer service principles.
• Knowledge of diabetes.

• Skill with both verbal and written communication.
• Skill performing intra-oral and extra-oral procedures.
• Skill using an autoclave, x-ray equipment, ultrasonic cleaner, and other dental equipment.
• Skill maintaining accurate lab and patient records.
• Skill working with clients of all ages.
• Skill educating patients regarding oral hygiene and care.
• Skill using dental tools and supplies.

• Ability to learn the Indian Health Service system.
• Ability to learn new procedures and improve knowledge of dental care and disease.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive and effective working relationships with all staff, patients, and members of the Community.
• Ability to accurately and promptly follow directions.
• Ability to make patients feel at ease.
• Ability to work as an effective and contributory member of the Clinic team.
• Ability to operate a variety of standard office equipment including personal computer and software, copy machines, fax machines and calculators.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

Education and Experience
:
High School diploma or GED and Graduation from a Dental Assistant Certification from an accredited college or training institution and at least 1 year of full-time experience as a Dental Assistant preferred.

• Certified in CPR and First Aid or receive certification within six months of hire date.

Equivalency – Any equivalent combination of experience and education that will allow the applicant to satisfactorily perform the duties of the job may be considered when filling the position.

• Must be able to stand for extended periods.
• May be exposed to blood-borne pathogens.
• May be required to lift materials up to 25 lbs.
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