Dental Assistant

SUMMARY Perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties to include sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare and lay out the instruments and materials required to treat each patient, and obtain and update patient's dental records.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Associates Degree in Applied Science in Dental Assisting
• Certified Dental Assistant-CDA or Registered Dental-RDA Assistant with expanded duties.
• Certification in Radiology and CPR.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Make patients comfortable in the dental chair and prepare them for treatment.
• During dental procedures, assistants work alongside the dentist to provide assistance.
• Review patient health history-take blood pressure; charting, chair side assisting, sterilization of instruments & operatories.
• Set up dental rays for different procedures (crown prep, root canals, fillings, extractions); take impressions for bleach trays & study models, pour models up in stone.
• Keep track of inventory of supplies and order supplies; pull and file charts and dental chart documentation, track and box up dental cases and lab slips.
• Place sealants & rubber dam placement, and temporary crown fabrication.
• Do periodontal and hard tissue charting and intraoral photography.
• Hand instruments and materials to dentists and keep patients' mouth dry and clear by using suction hoses or other devices.
• Instruct patients on postoperative and general oral healthcare.
• May prepare materials for impressions and restorations, and process dental x-rays as directed by dentist.
• Also, may remove sutures, apply topical anesthetics to gums and cavity-preventive agents to teeth, remove excess cement used in the filling process, and place dental dams to isolate teeth for treatment.
• Maintain patient confidentiality as per Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 and complete HIPAA compliance training.
• Assists dentist, as required, in further treatment of teeth and gums.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must have strong dental knowledge of dental materials and how they are used and mixed.
• Must have excellent dental skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other areas and personnel with the Health Clinic.
• Must work closely with, and under the supervision of the dentist.
• Must have knowledge of OSHA Blood borne Pathogens Standard and adherence to safety rules and professional standards.
• Must have outstanding written and verbal communications skills.
• Good time management and organizational skills are critical.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated patience, tact, and respect.
• Exceptional detail and follow-up skills.
• Work requires proficiency in computer literacy, preferably in Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and other Microsoft office products and database applications.
• Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.
• Must have knowledge of principles of evaluating program effectiveness and quality assurance.
• Must have knowledge of principles and practices of dental and administration gained through education and experience.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Associates Degree in Applied Science in Dental Assisting
• Certified Dental Assistant-CDA or Registered Dental-RDA Assistant with expanded duties.
• Certification in Radiology and CPR.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No direct supervisory responsibilities.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

Competence in operation of standard dental equipment such as dental chair and unit, sterilizers, x-ray machine, and other dental equipment as needed.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work requires sitting, lifting, reaching, walking, and lifting heavy objects, such as a case of paper or several books at once. Also requires manual dexterity to operate equipment for proper cleaning and examination.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

The employee uses judgment in identifying and selecting the most appropriate procedures to use, or in determining which of several established alternatives to use. Some deadlines are involved, so there is time pressure on occasion.

WORKING CONDITIONS

A good deal of work is performed in dental environment, but it is important to realize that some of the work is at the different offices within the Health/Dental Clinic.

COMMENTS

Native American preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time through approved motion by Tribal Council. * Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.

Current Openings for Dental Assistant Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians