Job Summary: Job incumbent is a mid-level dental provider who works transitionally under the direction of variously assigned TCC Dentists while completing their preceptorship component of training necessary to achieve DHAT certification under the CHAP-Certification Board (CHAP-CB). Job incumbent will follow the professional direction of their assigned supervising dentist. This supervising dentist will be assigned by the Dental Director or the DHAT Coordinator on a rotating basis. Job incumbent will examine individuals requiring dental care, diagnose, and treat their dental conditions within their individually defined scope of practice, or direct others in carrying out appropriate therapy in conformance with approved clinical practices. Incumbent will educate patients in the nature of oral health related conditions and in the general promotion of health and the prevention of oral disease as directed by their collaborative dentists.

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 general supervision of the Dental Director job incumbent will:

1. Serve a preceptorship period as defined by the Dental Director and in compliance with the CHAP-Certification Board standards. This period may vary in length with each individual DHAT at the discretion of the Dental Director. Typically this period of time will be at least one year in length. If the incumbent is unable to achieve eventual CHAP-CB certification in a timely manner, the Dental Director may terminate this preceptorship. This position is intended to be transitional in nature and limited in length with a goal of progressing to the DHAT I position upon achieving certification from the CHAP-CB.

2. Examine, create treatment plans, and treat dental disease within accepted dental therapeutic regimes while practicing within their individually defined scope of practice as directed by the Dental Director. DHAT-preceptors will not perform patient care procedures except under direct supervision of a supervising dentist while in this position.

3. DHAT-preceptors will accept professional instruction in a subordinate manner appropriate to the preceptorship status of their training. They will bring any concerns or inconsistencies that they encounter regarding this relationship to the attention of the DHAT Coordinator or the Dental Director.

4. DHAT-preceptors will exhibit appropriate professional behavior at all times, with particular emphasis around peer staff and patients.

5. DHAT-preceptors will exhibit exceptional customer service in all patient and staff interactions.

6. Record patient-dentist-DHAT transactions as they occur in the medical/dental record (in an organized format utilizing standard nomenclature) so that the record accurately reflects the nature of the contact, the condition of the patient, and the care provided. Complete referrals, data collection instruments and other records or paper work as required. This documentation will be required to occur both on electronic and on paper records depending upon location.

7. Serve on medical and dental staff committees and participate in the quality assurance program of the Dental Center as assigned.

8. Assist in the provision of technical assistance and health education to the community as assigned.

9. Will be knowledgeable of and adhere to all infection control standards and guidelines at all times. In particular this refers to CDC, AAAHC, and OSHA guidelines.

10. Provide dental care to TCC beneficiaries in locations as assigned.

11. Direct Dental Assistants at chair side while completing patient care as efficiently as possible.

12. Assist billing department with dental billing questions or concerns.

13. Exhibit a professional, gracious, warm and caring manner with patients and staff.

14. Accept additional (emergent or urgent) patients as necessary.

15. Accept or return phone calls in a timely manner from patients, supervisors, and TCC dentists.

16. Abide by and have a full understanding of policies contained in the TCC Dental Policies, the TCC Dental Procedures manual, and CHAM requirements.

Other Responsibilities:

1. Perform other job related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Diploma of Dental Therapy received from the University of Otago in New Zealand, University of Washington, or Ilisagvik College.

2. Current CHAP-CB requirements for performing Dental Health Aide Therapist preceptorship training.

3. Health provider level BLS certification required.

4. Frequent travel to remote villages is required.

5. Must maintain strict confidentiality and compliance with all HIPAA standards.

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Familiarity with potentially hazardous equipment and materials such as x-ray equipment, sterilizers, medicaments, sharp instruments and infectious waste.

2. Knowledge of the basic concepts, principles, and practices of providing preventive and restorative dental care. Primarily emphasizing on providing patient dental exams, routine restorations, and providing preventive counseling and education.

3. Knowledge of OSHA, CDC, and AAAHC regulations and standards.

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

Supervision: Incumbent may be required to supervise one or two dental assistants while performing duties in the absence of a supervising dentist.