Dental Assistant Trainee

Kodiak Area Native Association (KANA)

KANA is a Tribal health organization committed to elevating the lives of the people we serve. At KANA, employees are more than staff members—they are part of a mission-driven team dedicated to meaningful work, community impact, and long-term professional growth.

Benefits & Perks

• 401(k) retirement plan with a 7% employer contribution beginning in year two, paid regardless of employee contribution
• Paid Parental Leave
• 80% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Access to 20+ medical plan options through federal OPM benefits
• Employer-paid life insurance at 2.5x annual salary
• AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability coverage
• Generous paid time off and 13 paid holidays
• Free gym membership to the KANA Wellness Center
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition assistance and reimbursement programs
• Leadership development and internal advancement opportunities
• Eligibility for IHS and NHSC loan repayment programs (role dependent)
• Potential temporary housing assistance for relocating employees, based on availability

Position Overview

The Dental Assistant Trainee supports Dentists, Dental Health Aide Therapists, and Dental Hygienists in providing high-quality, patient-centered dental care services. This role assists with clinical procedures, patient care, and administrative tasks to ensure efficient dental operations and a positive patient experience. The position actively works toward obtaining Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification while contributing to continuity of care within the Dental Department.

Key Responsibilities

• Supports the organization's mission, goals, quality standards, and patient-centered medical home philosophy while demonstrating KANA's core values of Courtesy, Caring, Respect, Sharing, and Pride
• Upholds KANA's Code of Ethics by conducting all professional activities with honesty, integrity, fairness, and respect
• Promotes high-quality patient care by supporting access, continuity, and team-based care delivery
• Prepares patients for treatment, sterilizes and disinfects instruments, sets up procedure trays, and prepares dental materials
• Assists dentists and providers during dental procedures, ensuring efficient and safe clinical workflow
• Obtains and records patient medical and dental histories and vital signs
• Exposes and processes dental diagnostic X-rays in accordance with regulations and protocols
• Takes preliminary impressions and bite registrations for study models
• Assists with laboratory tasks including pouring, trimming, and polishing study casts; fabricating custom trays and temporary restorations
• Supports management of medical and dental emergencies as directed by providers
• Provides patient education on oral hygiene, plaque control, and postoperative care instructions
• Documents treatment and patient interactions accurately in patient records
• Schedules appointments and maintains accurate clerical records, including coding and chart documentation
• Provides coronal polishing and fluoride treatments with appropriate certification
• Travels regularly by small plane to village communities to support delivery of dental services as assigned
• Follows an established training plan to achieve Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and one year of related experience required

Work Schedule

KANA's standard work schedule is 37.5 working hours per week, typically consisting of 7.5 paid working hours per day plus a one-hour unpaid lunch break (total of 8.5 hours on site per day). Open to full-time, part-time and on call work.

Our Values

KANA's work is guided by Courtesy, Caring, Respect, Sharing, and Pride. We seek team members who demonstrate these values in how they provide care, collaborate with colleagues, and serve the community.

Life In Kodiak

Located on beautiful Kodiak Island, this role offers the opportunity to build meaningful community connections while experiencing Alaska's unique coastal lifestyle, outdoor recreation, and close-knit community.