DENTAL ASSISTANT I.

Dental Assistant 1

The Dental Assistant 1 is responsible for supporting the delivery of high-quality dental care by assisting dentists, dental therapists, dental health aides and hygienists during clinical procedures, preparing treatment areas, and ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for patients.

Principal Activities & Responsibilities:

• Prepares, sterilizes, and maintains dental instruments, equipment, and operatories in accordance with infection control and safety protocols.
• Collects and accurately documents patient health histories, ensuring thorough and confidential recordkeeping.
• Assists the dentist, dental therapist, dental health aide and dental hygienist during procedures with patient management, chairside support, and effective instrument transfer techniques.
• Applies appropriate isolation methods during dental procedures, including the use of suction, retractors, and other instruments to maintain a sterile and visible field.
• Prepares and handles dental materials such as cements, impression materials, and composites in support of clinical procedures.
• Performs dental charting and enters clinical documentation using an Electronic Dental Records (EDR) system.
• Supports emergency preparedness by assisting in the prevention, recognition, and management of medical emergencies.
• Captures high-quality digital dental images (radiographs) in accordance with state and clinical guidelines either under direct supervision prior to radiology certification or independently after radiology certification.
• Monitors, tracks and restocks inventory of dental supplies and materials to ensure smooth clinic operations.
• Provides excellent customer service to patients, families, and vendors, always demonstrating professionalism and cultural sensitivity.
• Assists front office staff as needed, including greeting patients, managing appointments, and supporting administrative tasks.
• Follows all infection control, OSHA, and clinic guidelines to maintain a clean, safe, and compliant clinical environment.
• Collaborates efficiently and effectively while consistently demonstrating professionalism and maintaining positive, respectful relationships with internal teams, external partners, and Tribal members.
• Other duties as directed by management.

Level Of Authority & Restrictions:

• Entry-level position with no supervisory responsibilities or decision-making authority.

Physical & Mental Demands:

• Must be able to walk, talk, hear, use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• May be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 40 pounds.
• Must be able to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and climb or balance.
• Must be able to sit and type for long periods of time.

Working Conditions & Environment:

• Moderate noise level with frequent interruptions and distractions.
• Regular exposure to unfavorable environments such as body fluids, toxic laboratory &/or industrial chemicals where personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required.

Requirements:

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Oregon Certificate of Radiologic Proficiency or Primary Dental Health Aide II Radiology Certificate or ability to achieve certificate within 1 year.
• CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Experience and proficiency in the use of Microsoft products (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, etc).
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, verbally, in writing or by other acceptable means.
• This position is designated as safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment and other authorized drug and alcohol testing in accordance with company policy. Please note that the use of marijuana is prohibited for employees in this position, regardless of state legalization status.
• This position is considered a covered position per the CTCLUSI Background Investigations Policy. A state criminal background check and fingerprint-based background check will be required as a condition of employment.
• Must have employment eligibility in the U.S.
• Indian preference will be observed in the hiring process.