Dental Assistant

Job Summary
Incumbent performs chair-side assistance duties in all phases of restorative, prosthodontics, surgical, endodontic, interceptive orthodontic and periodontal treatments as provided in general dentistry.  In addition, has clinical maintenance, record keeping responsibilities, and other duties as assigned. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The Dental Assistant maintains dental equipment in a clean and operative condition and properly stores and maintains adequate levels of supplies.  Lays out all instruments and materials needed for each treatment and prepares patient and operator.  

Assists dentist at chair-side as required in all phases of general dentistry, utilizing techniques for four-handed sit-down dentistry.  Passes instruments and materials to and retrieves them from the dentist; keeps intra-oral area of operation clear using high speed evacuator, suction tip and irrigation; retracts tissue, tongue and cheek.  In surgical procedures maintains aseptic condition, stabilizes tissue for dentist and cuts sutures.  Keeps alert to condition of patient during treatment for signs of fainting, shock or other distress.

Operates dental x-ray equipment to take intra and extra-oral radiographs. Pours and trims models for impressions and constructs custom impressions trays.

Takes preliminary impressions for study models, removes sutures and places / removes rubber dams.  

Obtains and records pre-operative and post-operative pressure and pulse of oral surgery patients as instructed by dentist or indication of hypertension in patient medical history.

Relays dentist’ instructions to patient for post-treatment care.  Instructs patient in brushing / flossing techniques and care of prosthodontics appliances.  Records information relayed by dentist on prescriptions and other forms for dentist signature.  Schedules follow-up appointment(s) as necessary.

Public Relations
Welcomes and provides information to visitors, vendors, and tribal members either in person, phone, or social media.  

Schedules patient appointments for each dental provider.  Completes reminder call one day prior to scheduled appointment.  Adheres to rescheduling appointment protocol.

Receives telephone calls from patients and visitors. Screens call for nature of contact and respond to questions or direct the visitors to the appropriate department or employee. Prioritizes all incoming calls and immediately refers the call to the appropriate personnel as needed

Assists and follows up with patients regarding the Dolly Jensen Fund eligibility information and approval process.  Assists in Medicaid and private insurance service authorization.

Attends and participates in appropriate administrative committee meetings.  Teamwork’s with other administrative staff in preparation, participation, and closure of public meetings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Knowledge of dentistry, particularly dental procedures, instruments and hygiene;
• Knowledgeable and proficient in dental terminology and procedures;
• Skilled in administering dental x-rays;
• Skilled and proficient with dental, scheduling, office and other software;
• Skilled in customer service and communication to ensure patients feel comfortable before, during, and after appointments;
• Ability to organize to make the dentist job easier and ensure all procedural trays are in place in advance;
• Ability to recognize, identify, and resolve problems and issues without direct supervision;
• Ability to work independently;
• Ability to be flexible in order to perform at the highest level as a team player;
• Ability to take directions from supervisor and/or designee;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all KIC operations and staff.

Physical Activities Include
Work may be sedentary with walking, stair climb, carrying documents and light weight supplies.  Writing by hand and using a personal computer. Long hours in front of computer screen.  Traveling occasional. 

While dental assisting there may be long periods of bending, standing, and walking.  Child patient behavior management is stressful and tedious.  

Working Conditions
Work involves danger of exposure to radiation, communicable disease, and flying debris.  Incumbent must wear protective devices such as lead shields to protect against radiation, facemasks, and surgical gloves to protect from communicable disease and safety glasses to protect from flying debris.  Employee is required to have vaccination for Hepatitis B.  Safety precautions such as blood draw for screening of various diseases such as hepatitis, required immunizations, etc. are necessary.

KIC COMPETENCIES

Cultural Competency: To be respectful and responsive to the health beliefs, practices, and cultural and linguistic needs of KIC Tribal Members. Developing cultural competence is an evolving, dynamic process that takes time and occurs along a continuum.

Commitment: To serve Tribal Members and set a high standard for yourself in your performance; strive for results and success; convey a sense of urgency and bring issues to closure; and stay persistent despite obstacles and opposition.  

Customer Service: Meet/exceed the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identify, understand, and monitor the needs of both internal and external customers, always talk and act with customers in mind; and recognize working colleagues as customers. 

Effective Communication: Ensure important information is passed to those who need to know; convey necessary information with respect, clearly and effectively orally or in writing

Responsiveness and Accountability: Demonstrate a high level of conscientiousness; hold oneself personally responsible for one's own work; and do the required fair share of work.

Education
High school diploma or equivalent required.  Dental Assistant Certification preferred.

Experience
One years’ dental experience in a health care environment preferred.  Motivation for professional and career advancement preferred. 

License(s)
Possess current valid State of Alaska driver's license with a record acceptable to KIC’s Insurance carrier.

Any combination of related education and/or related experience will be considered if the candidate possess the demonstrated ability.  

Salary : $23 - $36