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 & Perks401(k) retirement plan with a 7% employer contribution beginning in year two, paid regardless of employee contributionPaid Parental Leave80% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverageAccess to 20+ medical plan options through federal OPM benefitsEmployer-paid life insurance at 2.5x annual salaryAD&D, short-term, and long-term disability coverageGenerous paid time off and 13 paid holidaysFree gym membership to the KANA Wellness CenterEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Tuition assistance and reimbursement programsLeadership development and internal advancement opportunitiesEligibility for IHS and NHSC loan repayment programs (role dependent)Potential temporary housing assistance for relocating employees, based on availabilityPosition OverviewThe 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 ResponsibilitiesSupports 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 PrideUpholds KANA's Code of Ethics by conducting all professional activities with honesty, integrity, fairness, and respectPromotes high-quality patient care by supporting access, continuity, and team-based care deliveryPrepares patients for treatment, sterilizes and disinfects instruments, sets up procedure trays, and prepares dental materialsAssists dentists and providers during dental procedures, ensuring efficient and safe clinical workflowObtains and records patient medical and dental histories and vital signsExposes and processes dental diagnostic X-rays in accordance with regulations and protocolsTakes preliminary impressions and bite registrations for study modelsAssists with laboratory tasks including pouring, trimming, and polishing study casts; fabricating custom trays and temporary restorationsSupports management of medical and dental emergencies as directed by providersProvides patient education on oral hygiene, plaque control, and postoperative care instructionsDocuments treatment and patient interactions accurately in patient recordsSchedules appointments and maintains accurate clerical records, including coding and chart documentationProvides coronal polishing and fluoride treatments with appropriate certificationTravels regularly by small plane to village communities to support delivery of dental services as assignedFollows an established training plan to achieve Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certificationQualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent and one year of related experience requiredWork ScheduleKANA'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 ValuesKANA'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 KodiakLocated 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.