Certified Dental Assistant

NHSC-approved site (clinicians here can apply for NHSC Loan Repayment) · dental HPSA score 23 · American Indian Health Facility

Under direct supervision of the Dental Director, assist the Dentist in all phases of restorative, prosthodontics, surgical, endodontics, and periodontal treatment as provided in general dentistry.

Help ensure a safe and friendly environment for the patient.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide chair side assistance to dentists and/or dental hygienists in the perfonnance of dental procedures, to include operative, preventive, periodontal, endodontic, prosthetic, and/or oral

surgical procedures

1. Ensure cleanliness, safety and maintenance of equipment including minor repairs.

2. Remain with dentist and patient during procedures.

3. Ensure that all instruments, chart and radiographs are in the chairside area prior to the arrival of the patient.

4. Receive and direct the patient to the appropriate area of the clinic for anticipated treatment needs.

5. Clean, disinfect and sterilize instruments.

6. Take dental radiographs in accordance with provider orders; assists in the monitoring and maintenance of radiation safety procedures and protocols.

7. Prepare, sterilize, organize, and set up dental equipment, ensure that all dental instruments are cleaned, dated, and processed according to established clinic gnidelines and standards.

8. Responsible for maintaining a clean working area; record all confined provider exam findings completely and accurately in the patient chart; may act as an interpreter between patient and dentist as needed.

9. Provide instructions for patients in oral hygiene techniques and post-operative instructions both verbally and in written form.

10. Take study model impressions and pour, trim and label models.

11. Verify if a prior authorization was sent to the Referral Specialist. Must follow up with the verification process.

12. Clean and disinfect dental chair and chairside procedures in a timely manner after patient is dismissed and before next patient is seated.

13. Monitor and ensure the stocking of supplies at chairside unit and reporting items needed to be ordered.

14. Always maintain Universal Precaution guidelines during patient care (Mask, Gloves, Eye Protection) and wash hands before and after de-gloving.

15. Maintain sterilization room and lab area in a clean, orderly manner.

16. Monitor and maintain dental equipment, such as compressors, evacuator systems, radiographic equipment, sterilizers, and light curing units, in accordance with Dental Assistant manufacturers' guidelines.

17. Follow and maintain all relevant federal, state, and institutional regulations, guidelines, policies, and standards for the provision of dental clinical services.

18. Participate in and attend in service and educational programs to improve and learn new skills.

19. Assist in training new dental assistants.

20. May fill in for front desk as needed.

21. Treat patients with dignity and respect.

22. Maintain strict department security, confidentiality, and quality to meet professional standards of the department.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of patient care charts and patient histories; patient evaluation and triage procedures; planning and scheduling techniques; radiation safety procedures, standards, and protocols; and supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and institutional regulations and guidelines for the provision of dental outpatient services.

• Skill in operating business computers and office machines, including in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel, Access, and presentation software (such as

PowerPoint) and electronic dental records software such as EPIC, Wisdom, Dentrix or other electronic patient record.

• Ability to work as a team member within a clinical environment and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and co-workers at all levels.

• Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines.

• Ability to operate, maintains, and troubleshoots a wide range of dental equipment in accordance with prescribed procedures and standards.

• Ability to take dental radiographs.

• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language, both verbally and in writing.

• Must be willing and able to obtain additional education and training.

• CPR Certification within six (6) months of employment. Must maintain certification during tenure of employment.

EDUCATION and/or SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE:

• Preferred - Dental Assisting Certificate from a Nationally Accredited Program and the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation and six ( 6) months of dental assisting, chair side experience; and/or equivalent education and experience. 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our team members' health, financial security, and work-life balance, including:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Term Life Insurance

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance

• 401(k) and Roth retirement plans

• Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick Leave, and Holiday Pay

Loan Repayment Opportunities

As an approved site for federal loan repayment programs, we offer qualified clinicians the opportunity to reduce student debt while serving our community. Eligible options include:

• NHSC Loan Repayment Program – up to $50,000–$75,000 for a two-year commitment

• IHS Loan Repayment Program – $25,000–$50,000 per year

We also proudly welcome NHSC Scholars and Nurse Corps participants.