Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant

Dept./Program: DWC Dental

Division: Health Systems

Reports To: Dental Clinic Supervisor

Employment Status: Full Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Schedule: 40 hours/week

Preference: TERO Ordinance 2017-01, P.L. 93-638

Revision Date: 06/14/2018

Job Summary

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.

Essential Functions

1. Prepares un'ina, sterilizes and disinfects instruments, sets up trays, prepares materials, and assists dentist during dental procedures.

• Receives, reassures, and routes patients (un'inas) 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 un'inas and if necessary, controlling un'ina movements. Alert to the condition of un'ina during treatment for signs of fainting, shock or other distress.
• Operates dental x-ray equipment to take digital and panograph radiographs.

1. 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 un'ina for post-treatment care. Instructs un'ina on brushing and flossing techniques.
• Records medical history of un'inas; documents the examination and treatment information relayed by dentist.
• Routes un'inas 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.

1. Provides exceptional customer service.

• Receives un'inas 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 un'inas by providing accurate information that meets the un'inas' 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

Lifting Requirements

• 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

List Equipment used for job: Computer and other office equipment.

List Tools: Standard dental tools.

Travel

• Local
• In-State
• Comments: Travel may be required for training.

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.

License/Certification

• Valid Alaska Driver License

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.