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Reference Job Posting IRC38223, IRC38800

Job Title Dental Assistant

Organization Name Dental/Health Services

Job Summary: Under the general supervision of the Dental Assistant Supervisor, Job incumbent performs semi-technical dental and routine clerical work. Work involves assisting dentist during examinations and treatments. Cleans, sterilizes, and arranges instruments. Obtains oral radiographs as prescribed by dentist. Provides dental prophylaxis for patients requiring supragingival calculus, plaque, and stain removal. Conducts educational presentations for the prevention and control of dental diseases among children and adults. Works under the supervision of a dentist. Performs routine tasks according to standard procedures and instructions. Assists dentist specialists during complex dental procedures. Incumbent is responsible for providing excellent customer service in all customer and staff interactions.

Adhere to the TCC  Ch'eghwtsen' model of service and guiding principle which requires providing timely and effective service along with the ability to interact with others in a way that inspires trust and demonstrates respect, compassion and empathy.

Essential Functions: This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

Representative Duties: Under the direct supervision of the Dental Assistant Supervisor, job incumbent:

1. Work cooperatively as a member of a multidisciplinary team to provide dental services. This involves learning skills from more experienced members of the team while teaching less experienced members of the team.

2. Notes individual patient limitations and dental needs, as per the instructions of the dentist of record.

3. Seats and prepares patients for treatment. Adjusts and readies dental operatory for patient care.

4. Arranges dental instruments and materials for each patient.

5. Advises and instructs children and adults on proper home and post-operative care following treatment of teeth and supporting tissues.

6. Assists dentist with the instrumentation, medication and management of patient during treatment.

7. Assists dentist in the use of highly specialized dental equipment, such as x-ray, aspirators, and nitrous oxide - oxygen flowmeter.

8. Mixes and prepares solutions and materials for restorations, surgical packs, and impressions.

9. Provides nutritional counseling to the parents of children presenting for dental treatment.

10. Presents individual and group presentations and demonstrations on oral health, utilizing models and audiovisual aids. Instructs children and adults on proper methods of oral hygiene (brushing teeth and utilization of dental floss).

11. Takes radiographs of patients as instructed by the dentist of record.

12. Dates and enters on the examination record any charting she/her performs on the patient, and that dictated by the examining dentist, such as carious lesions, missing teeth, etc.

13. Cleans, disinfects, and sterilizes instruments and operatories following treatment.

14. Orders dental and office supplies; performs inventory of supplies.

15. Files and retrieves x-rays and reports.

16. Acts as a communication link between dentist, receptionist(s), and patient or patient's parent(s).

17. Performs routine maintenance of dental equipment, i.e. lubrication of handpieces, x-ray developing machine solution change, etc.

18. Performs routine dental laboratory work, such as pouring up impressions for models, dies, etc.

19. Places occlusal sealants as prescribed by the dentist of record.

20. Provide supragingival dental prophylaxis for removal of calculus, stain, and plaque.

21. Field/village travel is required in order to provide dental care to TCC beneficiaries in the outlying areas.

22. Responsible for packing and transportation of field/village travel gear as required for village trips.

Other Responsibilities:

1. Performs other job related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or GED equivalent.

2. One year experience in dental assisting OR graduation from a Dental Assisting Training Program.

3. Expanded Functions Dental Health Aide-prophylaxis certification (required within 365 days of hire) or in progress preceptorship status.

4. CPR certification (within 60 days of hire date).

5. Certified (within 60 days of hire date) to take radiographs as an IHS Dental Assistant.

6. Must pass background check pursuant to federal Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Working knowledge of the methods and practices in the treatment of dental diseases.

2. Skillful in the techniques used in caring for human teeth and other oral tissues and structures.

3. Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions.

4. Ability to perform multiple tasks with frequent interruptions.

Supervision: This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

Physical demands: Position requires long periods of sitting, standing, recurring bending, stooping, crouching, stretching, and reaching. Job incumbent must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds in support of equipment/other. Patients may be required to be lifted bodily from time to time. Handles contaminated and uncontaminated needles on a regular basis. This position requires the incumbent's physical presence at a clinic (TCC, Hospital, or field) for an average of 8 to 10 hours depending on the circumstance. Overtime will occasionally be required.SummationSummation: Incumbent must work as a cooperative and successful member of the dental team. Work involves regular and recurring exposure to potential hazards of radiation and communicable diseases, adverse weather, occasionally hostile patients, various dental materials (including mercury), and dental power equipment. Frequent Dental field/village trip travel is required to remote Alaskan Native Villages. Travel is via small "Alaskan bush" aircraft or 4WD dirt roads in all types of Alaskan weather conditions. Field trips are usually for one week at a time. Dental field trips sometimes require lodging in school classrooms on a bedroll and sleeping bag. Food is not provided and must be transported and prepared by dental assistant traveler.