Job Information
Kenaitze Indian Tribe Dental Assistant in Kenai, Alaska
Dental Assistant
Dept./Program: DWC Dental
Division: Health Systems
Reports To: Dental Clinic Supervisor
Employment Status: Full Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Schedule: 40 hours/week
Preference: TERO Ordinance 2017-01, P.L. 93-638
Revision Date: 06/14/2018
Job Summary
Performs chair side assistance and related duties in all phases of restorative, prosthodontic, surgical, endodontic, interceptive orthodontic and periodontal treatment as provided in general dentistry.
Essential Functions
- Prepares un'ina, sterilizes and disinfects instruments, sets up trays, prepares materials, and assists dentist during dental procedures.
- Receives, reassures, and routes patients (un'inas) for treatment in DWC Dental.
- Lays out all instruments and materials needed for each treatment properly; prepares un'ina operatory.
- Assists dentist in all phases of general dentistry, utilizing techniques for four handed sit-down dentistry.
- Passes instruments and materials to the dentist.
- Keeps intra-oral area of operation clear using high-speed evacuator, suction tip and irrigation; retracts tissue, tongue and cheek.
- Aids the dentist in calming fearful un'inas and if necessary, controlling un'ina movements. Alert to the condition of un'ina during treatment for signs of fainting, shock or other distress.
- Operates dental x-ray equipment to take digital and panograph radiographs.
- Performs intra-oral procedures as directed by dentist.
- Takes preliminary impressions for study models.
- Pours and trims models from impressions, constructs mouth guards and bleaching trays, and places and removes rubber dams.
- Administers fluoride treatments and sealants.
- Relays dentist's instruction to un'ina for post-treatment care. Instructs un'ina on brushing and flossing techniques.
- Records medical history of un'inas; documents the examination and treatment information relayed by dentist.
- Routes un'inas for medical tests and services when required.
- Cleans and sterilizes materials, instruments and equipment including and preparing sterile trays for chair side use.
- Maintains operatories in neat and orderly fashion and within standards for clean dental procedures.
- Observes appropriate infection control measures pre-and post-operatively.
- Provides exceptional customer service.
- Receives un'inas to the department in a friendly, professional and courteous manner.
- Answers phones and direct calls to appropriate staff members of the department. Takes messages as required.
- Determines which can be handled by staff members and which need management. Personally responds to non-technical questions regarding department.
- Assists un'inas by providing accurate information that meets the un'inas' needs the first time.
- Adhere to the Tribe's policies and procedures.
It is the intent of this job description to highlight the essential functions of the position; however, it is not an all-inclusive list. The incumbent may be called upon and required to follow or perform other duties and tasks requested by his/her supervisor, consistent with the purpose of the position, department and/or the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's objectives.
Working Conditions
Lifting Requirements
- Light work:Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that of sedentary work and if the worker sits most of the time, the job is considered light work.
Physical Requirements
- Stand or Sit (Stationary position)
- Walk (Move, Traverse)
- Use hands/fingers to handle or feel (Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position)
- Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl (Position self (to), Move)
- Talk/hear (Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself Exchange information)
- See (Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess)
- Pushing or Pulling
- Repetitive Motion
Hazards and Atmospheric Conditions
- Wet
- Noise
- Vibration
- Mists or Gases
- Mechanical Hazards
- Chemical Hazards
- Burn Hazards
- Sharp Hazards
OSHA Categories
- Category I:Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue
Equipment and Tools
- List Equipment used for job: Computer and other office equipment.
- List Tools: Standard dental tools.
Travel
- Local
- In-State
- Comments: Travel may be required for training.
Qualifications
Education
- High School Diploma or general education degree (GED).
- Completed Dental Assistant program from an accredited school, may substitute education with years of experience
Experience
- Must have one year of recent Dental Assistant experience which includes training in dental radiology
- Experience working with Alaska Native or American Indian people preferred.
License/Certification
- Valid Alaska Driver License is required to conduct Tribal business.
Special Skills
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Must be able to obtain IHS radiology certification within 30 days of hire.
Preference shall be given to eligible qualified Alaska Native and American Indian applicants pursuant to P.L. 93-638 Indian Self Determination Act.