Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant

Pay Range: $27.81 - $38.62

Facilitates delivery of dental services by assisting the dentists with direct patient care and the day-to-day operation of the Dental Clinic.

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it's a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job:

Greets, seats and prepares patient in appropriate treatment operatory. Prepares operatory in advance of appointment including instruments, radiographs, hand pieces, charts & supplies according to specialty. Assists at chair-side using 4- handed techniques. Travels with providers to provide coverage at other clinics. Cleans, prepares, and maintains operatories, labs, central sterilization and tray set up area. Prepares & maintains trays, tubs, instrument packs, mobile carts and supplies in an organized and uniform manner. Fluently anticipates provider needs to streamline clinic and appointment flow. Helps mentor DA trainees and new employees.

General:

• Able to fluently utilize the Dental Electronic Health Record for all charting, scheduling, medical alerts, and conditions.
• Able to utilize mult-icodes, continuing care, and chart notes with minimal support
• Proactively Sets up and assists for all appointment types seen in a General Dental Clinic, including advanced Surgical Oral Surgery, Restorative, Implant Surgery, and Endodontics
• Performs Setup for all fixed and removable prosthodontics appointments as well as help capture and fabricate removable appliances and crowns
• Able to accurately complete perio charting via multiple pathways
• Able to accurately and routinely capture all radiographs without assistance and with few retakes
• Able to independently apply topical fluoride.
• Able to set up basic Pediatric and Orthodontic appointment types

Pediatric:

• Able to fluently utilize the Dental Electronic Health Record for basic charting, scheduling, medical alerts, and conditions.
• Fluently Sets up and assists for all appointment types seen in a Pediatric Dental Clinic: appointments with Nitrous Oxide, pre-cooperative age pediatric exams, and fluoride visits, as well as advanced pediatric appointment types such as assisting in knee-to-knee exams and procedures, assists for CO2 laser infant frenectomy, and pediatric pulp therapy procedures
• Able to communicate with pediatric patients regarding instructions and Oral Health Information.
• Provide a welcoming and friendly environment for Children
• Able to accurately and routinely capture all radiographs without assistance and with few retakes
• Able to set up basic general and Orthodontic Appointment types

Orthodontics:

• Able to fluently utilize the Dental Electronic Health Record for basic charting, scheduling, medical alerts, and conditions.
• Identifies all Orthodontic related continuing care.
• Independently set up and assists for all orthodontic appointments.
• Able to independently affix all wires, ties, and ligatures for patients in orthodontic treatment.
• Correctly sizes orthodontic bands and fits arch wires to patient needs
• Able to capture diagnostic impressions, both digital and analog. Understands and utilizes knowledge of brackets and wire sequences
• Able to fabricate Essix retainers, nightguards, and pour all diagnostic models accurately.
• Able to set up basic general and pediatric Appointment types

Other Functions:

• Infection Control: Follows proper infection control protocol emphasizing universal precautions as specified in Section VII of the Oral Health Program Guide for the Indian Health Service. Disinfects dental treatment rooms. Performs instrument cleaning, sterilization/disinfection, and recirculation.
• Radiographs: Properly exposes, develops and mounts radiographs demonstrating radiological competency according to the I.H.S. Radiological Health and Safety Dental Program Manual. If the site is electronic able to take electronic radiographs and save them in the correct location.
• Prevention: Working knowledge of proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques. Provides age-appropriate recommendations on topical fluorides. Delivers topical fluoride and antimicrobial treatments, applies sealants and upon certification; coronal polishing
• Professional Behavior: Displays courteous and professional behavior. Maintains a professional appearance.
• Other Duties: Accompanies dentist on village field trips throughout the year. In the absence of the receptionist, answers the telephone, directs calls, takes messages, manages appointment book, and maintains patient flow. Maintains and improves professional skills and knowledge. Attends dental staff meetings as scheduled. Participates in clinic Q.I. program including dental chart audits, maintenance of autoclave records. Other duties as assigned.

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent - required
• BLS certification within 90 days of hire - required
• Certificate of Completion of a Dental Assistant Training - preferred
• Dental Assistant 2 Clinical Competency within 3 months of hire and every 3 years - required.
• Indian Health Service Radiology Certification within 3 months of hire and every year - required.
• Sterile Processing Competency Assessment within 6 months of hire and every year - required.
• High Risk Competency within 3 months of hire and every - required.

Experience Required:

• 1 year of Dental Assistant Experience
• Is cross trained on the basics of another specialty

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Chairside Dental Assisting.
• Dental Radiology
• Infection Control

Skills in:

• Strong oral & written communication skills
• Advanced levels of hand & eye coordination skills
• Working level of organizational skills

Ability to:

• Communicate with patients and staff
• Follow written and verbal instructions
• Treat patients and staff with respect

Travel Required: Moderate: Up to 20% travel expected

Required Certifications:

Basic Life Support (BLS) - American Heart Association, Certificate of Clinical Competency in Dental Radiology - SEARHC - Indian Health Services, Clinical Competency Assessment - SEARHC, High Risk Competency - SEARHC

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!