Dental Assistant - Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe : Job Details

OVERVIEW: The Dental Assistant provides chairside assistance to dentists and dental hygienists, performs various administrative and clinical tasks, and helps ensure a smooth and efficient operation of the dental clinic. This position requires a strong commitment to providing culturally sensitive and high-quality dental care to Native American patients, understanding and respecting tribal traditions and values. **Potential on the job training for motivated candidates**ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB:Chairside Assisting:

• Seat patient, adjust chair, triage and prepare patient for dentist. Set up treatment room with the necessary equipment and supplies for each procedure. Break down, and clean rooms in a timely manner for the next patient.
• Perform four handed dentistry and full scope of chairside assisting.
• Help patients feel at ease.
• Collect and record patient health histories.
• Take and record blood pressure in the electronic record.
• Chart information into the electronic dental record (includes exams for dentist and periodontal chart for dental hygienist).
• Take dental x-rays and intraoral photos. Organize images properly in the dental record.
• Patient management during dental procedures.
• Prepare dental materials for use by providers (cements, restorative materials, impression materials, etc.).
• Polish teeth to remove stains and soft deposits. Provide child prophylaxis and apply topical fluoride treatments.
• Take impressions and bite registrations.
• Apply pit and fissure sealants as prescribed by dental provider.
• Place and remove periodontal dressings.
• Remove surgical sutures.
• Fabricate and cement temporary crowns.
• Place topical medications, including fluoride varnish and silver diamine fluoride, under the direct supervision of the attending dental provider.
• Assistants trained in Expanded Functions will be able to perform respective duties in periodontal or restorative under direct supervision of the attending dental provider.
• Participate in team response to medical emergencies.

Patient Care and Education:

• Ensure patient schedules follow-up appointments as needed.
• Case management: follow-up with patients after surgeries, referrals, and to make sure treatment plan is understood.
• Provide personalized instructions for oral hygiene and post-operative care.
• Plan, assemble, and participate with dental table/booth at health fairs.

Clinic Operations and Maintenance:

• Inventory control and management (place orders, maintain stock, etc.).
• Follow the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA and CDC guidelines.
• Handle instrument cleaning, sterilization/disinfection, re-circulation, and organization.
• Perform dental treatment room disinfection.
• Coordinate delivery and pick-up for lab cases.
• Pour impressions to make stone and plaster models.
• Trim models, use a lathe, and use other lab equipment.
• Fabricate mouth guards, temporary crowns, custom impression trays, and bleaching trays.
• Work well in a team setting: willing to help others, positive attitude, and receptive to directions.

Cultural Competency:

• Demonstrate a deep understanding and respect for Native American cultures, traditions, and health beliefs.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with patients from diverse tribal backgrounds.
• Uphold the mission and values of the Lower Elwha Dental Clinic.

Administrative Tasks:

• Create, update, and maintain electronic dental record.
• Help the front desk when needed for scheduling, patient check-in, and insurance verification.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or GED
• Must be willing to attend trainings pertinent to position
• Current Washington State driver license and insurable under State of Washington
• Ability to operate dental equipment.
• Ability to follow department and Tribal policies and procedures.
• Ability to follow instructions and adhere to prescribed routines and practices.
• Willing to complete dental assisting curriculum (if not already credentialed)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of dental routines, terms, instruments, materials, and procedures.
• Knowledge of techniques related to dental x-ray, charting, sterile techniques, and disinfection.
• Knowledge of dental record keeping and lab techniques
• Organized, clean, reliable, kind, and flexible.
• Knowledge of HIPAA and WISHA standards.
• BLS/CPR certified
• 2+ years dental assisting experience or CDA credential

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to stand for long periods of time; bend, kneel, stoop, reaching with arms
• Must be able to be in awkward positions for periods of time while assisting
• Able to lift 30+ pounds

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

• Candidate must be flexible and able to cope with change.
• Candidate must have self-motivation in this key position. Must be able to recognize and complete tasks without direct supervision.
• Must abide by the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe personnel policies and procedures and the Drug and Alcohol policy which could include pre-employment drug testing.

As with all positions of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe this position is Indian Preference in hiring, in Accordance with P.L. 93-638.