Dental Assistant

Cedar Wellness Center is a Tribally owned clinic that treats a diverse population of patients, including Native and Non-Native people. We have the opportunity to provide whole person care, while managing patient substance use disorders, primary care, infectious disease, mental and dental health needs. We are building a team of dedicated and compassionate individuals.

Cedar Wellness Center brings an innovative model of highly individualized, compassionate care to patients with opioid use disorder. From the moment someone walks through the door of our state-of-the-art outpatient facility, they will encounter our thoughtfulness and intention for a humanizing and respectful experience with us. The comforting and safe setting of our nature-inspired facility and the friendly, professional attitude of our staff help to define our journey with each patient—and with each other—from day one.

Each employee at Cedar Wellness Center creates their own ripple effect in the larger circles of the families and communities that we touch. Are you ready to make a difference with us?

We are currently seeking a Dental Assistant to work 3-4 days per week to support our clinic in Tacoma, WA. This position, reporting to the Dental Director, is an excellent opportunity for someone excited to make an immediate and lasting impact in a growing company.

Position Overview

Cedar Wellness Center is seeking to hire a versatile Dental Assistant who loves taking on a challenge and being part of an aligned, committed team. We are looking for a Dental Assistant who demonstrates patience and compassion since our clinic often sees patients when they are feeling their worst. It is important that our staff believe in our patients so they can learn to believe in themselves. A non-judgmental approach is key.

While a kind heart is a requirement, an organized mind is also needed for this position. As Dental Assistant, you will perform procedures in compliance with Dental Practice Act, seat patients and get them ready for procedures, reprocess instruments in compliance with applicable infection control guidelines, document dental care services, set up and expose intraoral and extraoral radiographs, perform coronal polishing, OHI, fluorides, and placement of sealant and rubber dams. This role is crucial to maintaining accurate records as our program is built on a scientific approach to addiction medicine and this clinic will be highly regulated by credentialing agencies. If you are committed to creating big-picture change, have an eye for details, understand that standard protocols are essential, and like to learn new things, we look forward to speaking with you.

Indian Preference applies. Qualified Indian (American Indian or Alaskan Native) applicants will receive preference in accordance with 25 U.S.C. § 5323 and 25 U.S.C. § 472a.

Minimum Requirements

• Graduate of an Accredited Dental Assistant program and registered with the State of Washington as a dental assistant.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Office, Excel, Google Spreadsheets, Electronic Health Records, and other electronic computer programs.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Ability to pass drug and background screening.
• Ability to provide health and TB clearance, including required vaccinations.

Preferred Requirements

• 2 years of recent/previous work experience.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Assist dentists, hygienists, and denturists with the delivery of dental services. This includes but is not limited to seating patients, obtaining vitals and radiographs, setting up rooms and sitting chairside for a diverse array of dental procedures; all in compliance with the Dental Practice Act and current infection control guidelines.
• Familiarity with standard dental operatory equipment and instruments, including various handpieces, dental x-ray units, intraoral scanner, and various instruments.
• Reprocess/sterilize instruments in compliance with applicable infection control guidelines.
• Review medical records for up-to-date problem list including patient reported medications and allergies and diagnoses that are documented by physicians or providers.
• Document exam findings, treatment plans, and dental services by charting in the electronic dental record.
• Order and maintain dental and laboratory supplies.
• Participate in the review of schedules and space needs; anticipate and suggest any needed changes in staffing or provider schedules.
• Attend and participate in annual mandatory trainings such as sexual harassment, confidentiality and safety/OSHA.

• Sensitivity to and knowledge of Indian customs, traditions, and culture. Attends in-service training as appropriate.
• Demonstrated customer-first attitude and philosophy.This requires empathetic listening and a respect for patient autonomy and confidentiality.
• Ability to react to frequent changes in duties and volume of work.
• Effectively conveys and receives ideas, information and directions. Demonstrates good verbal and written communication.
• Treat each patient and co-worker with honor, compassion and courtesy while striving for the highest level of excellence.
• Understand that the stress of illness may alter patient behavior and ability to follow through on plan of dental care; interact with respect including situations where patient and/or family display anger or distress.
• Knowledge and understanding of HIPAA and relevant Cedar Wellness Center policies. Effectively incorporates confidentiality into daily work habits. Follows facility policies and procedures.
• Conform to scheduled work hours, breaks and lunches. Follows Cedar Wellness Center policies and procedures.
• Maintains appearance according to Cedar Wellness Center policies and industry standards.
• Participate in patient education by providing standardized, structured written/verbal information to patients regarding procedures, preparation for diagnostic tests, and chronic disease conditions as instructed by the provider.
• Recognize the need for continuous learning by attending staff development programs and workshops.
• Other duties as assigned.

$27 - $32 an hour

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to keyboard or type, handle materials used in performing the essential functions of the classification, and reach with hands and arms. The employee will be asked to perform repetitive behaviors (e.g., typing and data entry). The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds (think boxes of paper). Specific vision abilities required by this classification include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing abilities required by this classification includes those which permit the employee to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively in person, by telephone. While performing the duties of this classification, the employee works in an office setting where the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee must also analyze and evaluate situations and adopt effective courses of action.

Why Work for Us?

Our team is a family with each person vital to our mission. Our team members are forward-thinking and passionate about creating change. We foster a culture of autonomy and ownership made possible by the trustworthiness and honesty of our team members. In a field that can sometimes leave staff feeling numb or powerless, we support active teamwork by responding with engagement, participation, and empathy.

We treat patients with respect. And we believe that being curious and positive makes a difference. Our vision is to guide people to a new life. Our hope is to inspire individuals, families, and communities- and to save lives in the process. Our team embodies the values of Respect, Growth, Compassion, Teamwork, and Commitment.

We support our team through a competitive salary and benefits package and opportunities for continuing education and professional advancement. Cedar Wellness Clinic staff will also be cross trained to meet the needs of patients and to make each day a success. On-the-job training will empower team members, as we believe the excellence of the clinic and the professional development of our staff complement one another.

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