Dental Assistant

Job Title

Dental Assistant

Health Services

Dental

Dentist/Dental Coordinator

Non‑exempt

$16.00 - $24.44

CPN Health Services personnel may be assigned to provide services to patients of all ages, including but not limited to Indian Children, and will require a criminal history background screening.

All full‑time positions:
In addition to your pay, your salary also includes medical, dental, and vision insurance. The biweekly deduction from employee paycheck is $40.00 for employee only, $95.00 employee plus children, $120.00 employee plus spouse, and $140.00 employee plus family.

To assist the dentist in providing comprehensive dental service to patients.

• Performs chair‑side assistance in all phases of dentistry, encompassing all routine dental procedures. Uses the concepts of four‑handed dentistry to assist with intraoral surgical procedures, extractions, periodontics, endodontics, and implants.
• Maintains field of operation during dental procedures through the use of retraction, suction, irrigation, drying, etc.
• Maintains the dental clinic in a clean and orderly manner, including documenting weekly, monthly, and yearly scheduled maintenance. Monitors and maintains the emergency kit and nitrous oxide/oxygen supply.
• Receives and routes patients and schedules appointments.
• Charts and records treatment notes in the Electronic Dental Record program (Dentrix).
• Responsible for cleaning, sharpening, packaging, and sterilizing all dental instruments for proper storage.
• Prepares patient and operatory for proper procedures, including proper instrument set‑ups.
• Operates dental x‑ray equipment to take intra‑ and extra‑oral radiographs, correctly positioning patients and film to achieve high‑quality x‑rays.
• Performs routine dental laboratory procedures, including pouring and trimming models, and constructing custom impression trays, fabricating base plates and bite rims. Ensures lab cases are sent to the lab correctly and on time. Helps keep the laboratory and clinic clean and well supplied.
• Relays post‑treatment instructions to patients and motivates and instructs patients in proper oral hygiene and preventive health measures.
• Takes, records, and monitors vital signs.
• Applies pit and fissure sealants, topical fluoride.
• Completes child cleanings and coronal polishing.
• Provides periodontal therapy, prophylaxis, and fluoride treatments as directed by the dentist.
• Places rubber‑dam isolation as directed by the dentist.
• Places retraction cord, fabricates and removes temporary crowns.
• Recognizes and responds to basic medical and dental emergencies.
• Follows blood‑borne pathogen safety precautions during procedures and while cleaning the operatory after procedures. Demonstrates understanding of CDC and prevention guidelines.

• Performs other duties and projects as required by management.

• Knowledge of instruments normally used in routine dental procedures.
• Knowledge of dental terminology and record keeping to properly enter information in the patient record.
• Knowledge of dental anatomy and ability to properly expose and process diagnostic radiographs.
• Ability to explain to patients post‑operative instructions.
• Ability to remain calm in a stressful situation.
• Works well with the public.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Fits in well with a team environment and is a true team player.
• Is self‑motivated and finds ways to stay productive when not seeing patients.

• CPR certification.
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Dental assisting permit for the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry.
• Minimum of one (1) to two (2) years hands‑on experience working as a Dental Assistant; less experience may be considered once approved by Dental Coordinator.
• Courses above the high school level in the dental field are preferred but not required.

• The ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods of time with arms in the extended or slightly bent position.
• Some bending, stretching, and lifting are required.

• General clinical environment with frequent exposure to chemicals, blood‑borne pathogens, and patient body fluids.

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this position. These statements are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.