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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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/ ear (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 is required to conduct Tribal business.

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.

Preference shall be given to eligible qualified Alaska Native and American Indian applicants pursuant to P.L. 93-638 Indian Self Determination Act.