Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant

Performs chair side assistance and related duties in all phases of restorative, prosthodontic, surgical, endodontic, interceptive orthodontic and periodontal treatment as provided in general dentistry.

• Prepares, sterilizes and disinfects instruments, sets up trays, prepares materials and assists dentist during dental procedures
• Receives, reassures, and routes patients for treatment in DWC Dental
• Lays out all instruments and materials needed for each treatment properly; prepares un'ina operatory
• Assists dentist in all phases of general dentistry, utilizing techniques for four handed sit-down dentistry
• Passes instruments and materials to the dentist
• Keeps intra-oral area of operation clear using high-speed evacuator, suction tip and irrigation; retracts tissue, tongue and cheek
• Aids the dentist in calming fearful patients and if necessary, controlling patient movements. Alert to the condition of patient during treatment for signs of fainting, shock or other distress
• Operates dental x-ray equipment to take digital and panograph radiographs
• Performs intra-oral procedures as directed by dentist
• Takes preliminary impressions for study models
• Pours and trims models from impressions, constructs mouth guards and bleaching trays, and places and removes rubber dams
• Administers fluoride treatments and sealants
• Relays dentist's instruction to patient for post-treatment care. Instructs patient on brushing and flossing techniques
• Records medical history of patients; documents the examination and treatment information relayed by dentist
• Routes patients for medical tests and services when required
• Cleans and sterilizes materials, instruments and equipment including and preparing sterile trays for chair side use
• Maintains operatories in neat and orderly fashion and within standards for clean dental procedures
• Observes appropriate infection control measures pre-and post-operatively
• Provides exceptional customer service
• Receives patients to the department in a friendly, professional and courteous manner
• Answers phones and direct calls to appropriate staff members of the department. Takes messages as required
• Determines which can be handled by staff members and which need management. Personally responds to non-technical questions regarding department
• Assists patients by providing accurate information that meets the patients' needs the first time
• Adhere to the Tribe's policies and procedures

It is the intent of this job description to highlight the essential functions of the position; however, it is not an all-inclusive list. The incumbent may be called upon and required to follow or perform other duties and tasks requested by his/her supervisor, consistent with the purpose of the position, department and/or the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's objectives.

Working Conditions

• Light work Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that of sedentary work and if the worker sits most of the time, the job is considered light work

Physical Requirements

• Stand or Sit (Stationary position)
• Walk (Move, Traverse)
• Use hands/fingers to handle or feel (Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position)
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl (Position self (to), Move)
• Talk/hear (Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information)
• See (Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess)
• Pushing or Pulling
• Repetitive Motion

Hazards and Atmospheric Conditions

• Wet
• Noise
• Vibration
• Mists or Gases
• Mechanical Hazards
• Chemical Hazards
• Burn Hazards
• Sharp Hazards

OSHA Categories

• Category I Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue

Equipment and Tools

• Computer and other office equipment
• Standard Dental tools

Travel

• Local
• In-State

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Completed Dental Assistant program from an accredited school, may substitute education with years of experience

Experience

• Must have one year of recent Dental Assistant experience which includes training in dental radiology
• Experience working with Alaska Native or American Indian people preferred

Preferred

• Knowledge and experience working with cultural diversities

License/Certification

• Must possess valid Alaska driver's license and remain insurable under the Tribe's insurance policy

Special Skills

• Good oral and written communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Must be able to obtain IHS radiology certification within 30 days of hire

This position is a Covered Position subject to all requirements of the Alaska Barrier Crimes Act (ABCA) and to the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, (ICPA). ABCA and ICPA requirements apply and must be complied with at all times in order to remain in the position.