Dental Assistant

Job Code: 31-9091

Salary: $15.63 - $20.45

Status: Full-time, Permanent, Non-Exempt

Location: Health Services

Department:  Dental

Reports To: Lead Dental Assistant

Telecommute: No

Fleet: No

Mandated Reporter: Yes

Background: PL 101-630

SUMMARY: The Dental Assistant will work with collaboratively with department staff to perform Dental related functions under the supervision of the Dentist and the Lead Dental Assistant.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Dental Assistant will provide chair side assistance to the Dentist in the following way:

• Obtain and process digital radiographs.
• Recording of blood pressure.
• Utilize 4- handed techniques for passing and receiving instruments and materials.
• Oral evacuation and retraction.
• Preparation of materials.
• Charting dental restorations, disease, and other information.

The Dental Assistant is responsible for the maintenance of the operatories in the following way:

• Prepare the operatories with the proper barrier covers for every patient.
• Proper cleaning of the instruments, bagging, dating, and sterilization.
• Proper cleaning of the operatories with a disinfectant after the patient leaves.
• Keep sinks and countertops clean.
• Following a routine maintenance schedule for all the dental equipment, documenting on a log sheet. (Date, what maintenance was done, and initials).
• Every operatory shall be kept organized and supplies maintained at adequate levels on a daily basis.
• Biological monitoring will be done on a weekly basis and records maintained.
• Chemical indicator strips will be used with every sterilization load and records maintained.
• The dental lab will be kept organized, clean, and disinfected after every patient.
• Follow universal precautions with all patients. 

The Dental Assistant is responsible for office duties such as:

• Monitoring inventory and maintaining a needed supplies list.
• Ordering new supplies with approval by the Dental Program Director.
• A pleasant and courteous attitude at all times.
• Assist the RDH/Dentist with Health Fair planning, set-up, and presentations as assigned by the Dental Program Director.
• Fill in as Dental Receptionist as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Mandated Reporter: Must become a mandated reporter prior to having contact with children in a job-related capacity and maintain that status throughout employment. This includes completing any necessary training and adhering to all reporting obligations as defined by applicable laws and tribal policies

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position has no supervisory duties.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and have knowledge of dental terminology. A High School Diploma or the requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and /or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Due to the sensitive nature of the information and people, the successful applicant must maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

• CPR/First Aid certified or willing to be certified within the first three months of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Strong oral and written communication skills required. Must have excellent computer skills including word, excel, and experience with varying databases. Prior experience as a Dental Receptionist and or dental assistant preferred, but not required..

The successful candidate must pass a criminal background and test for illegal substances prior to employment being confirmed.