Dental Assistant

Dental Clinic Assistant

Pay Range: $26.06 - $36.08

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

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it's a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job

• Greets, seats and prepares patient in appropriate treatment operatory. Prepares operatory in advance of appointment including instruments, radiographs, hand pieces, charts & 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 & maintains trays, tubs, instrument packs, mobile carts and supplies in an organized and uniform manner. Travels with providers to provide coverage at other clinics.

General

• 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.

Pediatric

• 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: appointments with nitrous oxide, pre-cooperative age pediatric exams, and fluoride visits.
• Able to communicate with pediatric patients regarding instructions and oral health information.
• Provide a welcoming and friendly environment for children.

Orthodontics

• Able to utilize the Dental Electronic Health Record for basic charting, scheduling, medical alerts, and conditions.
• Independently set up and assist 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.

Other Functions

• 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; coronal polishing.
• Professional Behavior: Displays a courteous and professional behavior. 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, maintenance of autoclave records. Other duties as assigned.

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Certificate of completion of Dental Assistant Training OR 6 months of Dental Assistant Experience.
• Completion of Dental Assistant 1 Competency form OR 6 months of Dental Assistant Experience and completion of form within 6 months of hire.
• Completion of Sterilization Course OR 6 months of Dental Assistant Experience and completion of form within 6 months of hire.
• 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

Experience Required

• Completion of Dental Assistant Training OR 6 months of Dental Assistant Experience.
• Indian Health Service Radiology Certificate or equivalent within 6 months of hire.

Knowledge of

• Chair Side Dental Assisting
• Dental Radiology
• Infection Control

Skills in

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

Ability to

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

Travel Required: Moderate: Up to 20% travel expected

Required Certifications:

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

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!