Dental Assistant Trainee / I / II

Maniilaq Association is a P.L. 93-638 Native/Indian Preference/EEO Employer



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Dental Assistant Trainee / I / II
Job Code: 2026:OTZ-006 Location: Kotzebue, Alaska Program: Dental FT/PT Status: Full Time Job Responsibilities:
Maniilaq Association


11/24


Title: Dental Assistant Trainee / I / II Range: 12 + 8 / +1 / 13 + 1


Program: Dental Status: Non-Exempt


Housing Priority: None Covered: Yes


POSITION SUMMARY


Dental Assistant Trainee / I :


Provides assistance to Dental Providers and supports clinic functions. Work includes operatory preparation, chair side assistance, and record-keeping. Maintains cleanliness of operatory units and materials. Works with potentially hazardous equipment and materials, such as: x-rays, potentially infectious body fluids, autoclaves and sharp instruments. Work is done in the Maniilaq Service Area but primarily based in Kotzebue. Reports directly to Dental Operations Supervisor.


Dental Assistant II :

Provides assistance to Dental Providers and supports clinic functions. Work includes operatory preparation, chair side assistance, and record keeping. Maintains cleanliness of operatory units and materials. Works with potentially hazardous equipment and materials, such as: x-ray equipment and chemicals, body fluids, autoclaves and sharp instruments. The Dental Assistant II should be proficient in the following tasks: operatory preparation, proficient chair-side assisting, record keeping, taking appropriate diagnostic dental radiographs, preparation of dental materials, placing/removing rubber dam, suture removal, taking dental impressions, and dental assistant training. Work is done in the Maniilaq Service Area but primarily based in Kotzebue. Reports directly to the Dental Operations Supervisor.


PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES


Dental Assistant Trainee :

1. Displays a willing and helpful attitude toward patients and staff. Professionally communicates in a warm, concerned, caring, and friendly manner over the telephone and in person.

2. Cleans and sterilizes dental equipment and instruments using autoclave according to infection control standards. Cleans and disinfects dental work areas according to infection control standards.

3. Stores and maintains adequate supplies in dental work areas.

4. Prepares operatory for dental provider, including seating and draping patients, and setting out instruments and materials needed for treatment.

5. Takes radiographs as prescribed by dental clinician.

6. Provides chair side assistance, including passing instruments, arranging and preparing materials, operating oral evacuator and retracting cheek and tongue.

7. Reports to Dental Operations Supervisor.

8. Updates patient records as directed by provider.

9. Prepares supplies and equipment for village travel, and works overtime as needed on village travel.

10. Accesses, reads and responds as necessary to written material and e-mail on a daily basis.

11. Maintains confidentiality of patients and hospital-related information according to HIPAA Guidelines.

12. Expected to participate in and successfully complete training offered locally that leads to promotion to Dental Assistant I/II, including Basic Life Support and I.H.S. Dental Radiology training. Additional training outside of the area may also be required.

13. Follows Dental Assistant Guidelines according to State of Alaska.


Dental Assistant I :


All duties above, in addition:

1. Takes radiographs as prescribed by dental clinician. Is able to evaluate radiographs for their diagnostic acceptability, and consults with provider / re-takes as necessary.


3. Demonstrates sound decision-making abilities concerning patient care.


4. Reviews health history, takes vitals, explains post-treatment instructions.


5. Makes good use of time, insuring patients treated in a timely manner by monitoring and assisting patient flow in the clinic.

Dental Assistant II :


All duties above, in addition:


1. Provides chair-side assistance during all facets of routine dental treatment, including passing and receiving instruments, arranging and preparing materials for use, operating oral evacuation, and provides lip, tongue, and cheek retraction.


2. Places and removes rubber dam.


3. Removes sutures under the direction of dentist.


4. Takes preliminary impressions for lab work, pours & trims models.


5. Takes vital signs on patients as ordered by provider.


6. Assists the Dental Operations Supervisor with training Dental Assistants.


7. Demonstrates sound decision-making abilities concerning patient care.

8. Reviews patient health history, takes vital signs, provides basic OHI, applies topical fluoride as prescribed, and gives post-treatment instructions to patient.


9. Records specific information on patients' records as dictated by provider.

Job Qualifications:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS


Dental Assistant Trainee :


High school diploma or equivalent. Complete training in dental terminology, basic infection control, vital sign monitoring techniques, Basic Life Support, and complete I.H.S Radiology Certification Program within 6 months of hire. Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time as well as willing/able to travel in small airplanes and carry at least 40 pounds of luggage. Inupiaq/English bilingual preferred.


Dental Assistant I :

High school diploma or equivalent required plus 6 months previous Dental Assistant experience. Must have and maintain Basic Life Support and I.H.S. Radiology Certification. Must demonstrate the ability to perform at the level of a Dental Assistant I through evaluation by the Supervising Lead Dentist and Dental Operations Supervisor. Must be able to stand for prolonged periods, be willing and able to fly in small aircraft, and lift and carry 40 pounds. Inupiaq / English bilingual preferred.


Dental Assistant II :

High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 6 months experience as a Dental Assistant I, job related experience. Must have and maintain Basic Life Support and I.H.S. Radiology Certification. Must demonstrate the ability to perform the duties at the level of a Dental Assistant II through an evaluation by the supervising lead dentist and Dental Operations Supervisor. Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time, willing and able to fly in small aircraft, and lift and carry 40 pounds. Inupiaq / English bilingual preferred.

Other Job Information (if applicable):
DISCLAIMER


The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be considered an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel in this job, and the employer reserves the right to revise or change this description. This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each of the above essential duties ad meet physical demands. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to meet those conditions.