Dental Assistant - Intermittent

Pay Range
$26.06 - $36.08

Facilitates delivery of dental services by assisting the dentists, dental therapists, hygienists, dental health aides, and other team members with direct patient care and the day-to-day operation of the dental clinic.

• Greets, seats, and prepares patients in the appropriate treatment operatory. Prepares operatory in advance of appointment including instruments, radiographs, hand pieces, charts, and supplies according to specialty. Assists at chair‑side using 4‑handed techniques. Cleans, prepares, and maintains operatories, lab, central sterilization, and tray set‑up area. Prepares and maintains trays, tubs, instrument packs, mobile carts, and supplies in an organized and uniform manner.
  
  Travels with providers to provide coverage at other clinics.

• Able to utilize the Dental Electronic Health Record for basic charting, scheduling, medical alerts, and conditions.
• Independently sets up and assists for all appointment types seen in a general dental clinic.
• Performs setup for all fixed and removable prosthodontics appointments.
• Able to accurately complete perio charting via multiple pathways.
• Able to independently apply topical fluoride.

• Able to utilize the Dental Electronic Health Record for basic charting, scheduling, medical alerts, and conditions.
• Independently sets up and assists for all appointment types seen in a pediatric dental clinic, including appointments with nitrous oxide, pre‑cooperative age pediatric exams, and fluoride visits.
• Able to communicate with pediatric patients regarding instructions and oral health information.
• Provides a welcoming and friendly environment for children.

• Able to utilize the Dental Electronic Health Record for basic charting, scheduling, medical alerts, and conditions.
• Independently sets up and assists for all orthodontic appointments.
• Able to independently affix wires, ties, and ligatures for patients in orthodontic treatment.
• Able to capture diagnostic impressions for both digital and analog models.
• Able to fabricate Essix retainers.

• Infection control: follows proper infection control protocol emphasizing universal precautions as specified in Section VII of the Oral Health Program Guide for the Indian Health Service. Disinfects dental treatment rooms. Performs instrument cleaning, sterilization/disinfection, and recirculation.
• Radiographs: properly exposes, develops, and mounts radiographs demonstrating radiological competency according to the I.H.S. Radiological Health and Safety Dental Program Manual. If the site is electronic, able to take electronic radiographs and save them in the correct location.
• Prevention: working knowledge of proper tooth‑brushing and flossing techniques. Provides age‑appropriate recommendations on topical fluorides. Delivers topical fluoride and antimicrobial treatments, applies sealants, and upon certification, performs coronal polishing.
• Professional behavior: displays a courteous and professional behavior and maintains a professional appearance.
• Other duties: accompanies providers on village field trips throughout the year; in the absence of the Dental Patient Coordinator, answers the telephone, directs calls, takes messages, manages appointment book, and maintains patient flow; maintains and improves professional skills and knowledge; attends dental staff meetings and huddles as scheduled; participates in clinic Q.I. program including dental chart audits, maintaining autoclave records; other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certificate of completion of Dental Assistant Training.
• Completion of Dental Assistant 1 Competency form.
• Completion of Sterilization Course.
• Indian Health Service Radiology Certificate or equivalent.
• BLS required within 90 days of start.
• Clinical Competency required within 3 months of hire and every three years.
• High Risk Competency required within 3 months of hire and every year.

• Completion of Dental Assistant Training or 6 months of Dental Assistant Experience.

• Chair‑side dental assisting.
• Dental radiology.
• Infection control.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Advanced levels of hand and eye coordination skills.
• Working level of organizational skills.

• Communicate with patients and staff.
• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Treat patients and staff with respect.
• Work well in a team setting.

Moderate:
Up to 20% travel expected.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association.
• Certificate of Clinical Competency in Dental Radiology – SEARHC – Indian Health Services.
• Clinical Competency Assessment – SEARHC.
• High Risk Competency – SEARHC.