Dental Assistant, Clinical

Northwest Employment Works; Sioux Lookout; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local healthcare organization in Sioux Lookout is seeking a Dental Assistant to support clinical operations in a new dental clinic. The role involves assisting dentists, following infection control protocols, and maintaining client relationships. Candidates with a Dental Assisting certification and First Nations ancestry are preferred. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

Pension plan

Fitness reimbursement program

Comprehensive insurance coverage

Professional development opportunities

Relocation assistance

Qualifications

• Persons of First Nations ancestry will be given preference.
• Experience working with dental practice management software is an asset.
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture relevant to healthcare delivery.

Responsibilities

• Assist the dentist and hygienist with various procedures.
• Take radiographs as prescribed by the dentist.
• Provide instructions regarding treatment and post-treatment care.

Skills

Strong organization and scheduling skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Detail-oriented

Education

Level II Dental Assisting Program certification

NDAEB Certificate

Tools

Dental practice management software

Digital charting

Radiography

Job description

Internal/External Posting
Position Type: Full-time
Posting Type: This job Posting is for a new vacancy
Location: Sioux Lookout
2025 Salary Range: Competitive salary based on Education/Experience
Reference Number: DENTA001390
If applying by email, indicate the reference number in the subject line

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY
The Oral Health Services Department is opening a four-operatory dental clinic in Sioux Lookout. The clinic features two dental operatories, one hygiene operatory, and one surgical operatory, along with a recovery room. The clinic is equipped with digital charting/ radiography, a panoramic/cephalometric x-ray, a laboratory, a sterilization room, and a staff room.

Job Summary:
The Dental Assistant, Clinical (DA) will assist the dentist and hygienist chairside and provide clinical services within the scope of practice. Duties include following infection prevention and control (IPAC) protocols in accordance with established policies and procedures. The clinic adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO). This position requires a commitment to establishing strong client relationships while maintaining ethical and professional behaviour.

Qualifications:
• Persons of First Nations ancestry will be given preference (OHRC, Part II, Special Employment).
• The ability to perform the requirements of the position on a regular basis.
• Ability to communicate in one of the First Nations dialects in the Sioux Lookout Zone is an asset.
• Level II Dental Assisting Program certification from an accredited college is preferred but not required.
• Have an NDAEB Certificate and be a member of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association or be willing to obtain one.
• One to two years of clinical experience is preferred but not required
• Obtain Healing Arts Radiation Protection (HARP) certification as required.
• Obtain Medical Device Reprocessing certification as required.
• Proof of valid First Aid, Basic Life Saver CPR with AED or willingness to obtain.
• Experience working with dental practice management software, digital charting and radiography is an asset.
• Strong organization and scheduling skills with clients, families, peers and allied health care partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Detail-oriented with excellent time management and ability to prioritize activities.
• Knowledge, experience and understanding of Indigenous culture and issues relevant to the delivery of health care in Indigenous communities in Canada.
• Perform the requirements of this position on a regular basis.
• Ability to communicate in one of the Indigenous dialects within Keewaytinook is an asset.
• Work co-operatively and in a self-directed manner; manage a variety of clinical tasks to support operations and treatment of clients effectively.
• Adaptable to changes in workload or work environment

Roles and Responsibilities:
• In daily clinic operations, the DA will support all registered oral health care providers.
• Support the oral health team, including administrative operations, with client care.
• Demonstrate empathetic and ethical practices while dealing with complex client situations.
• Assist the dentist and hygienist with various dental procedures.
• Take radiographs as prescribed by the dentist and in accordance with HARP guidelines.
• Able to perform the full scope of DA duties appropriate to certification level and maintain ethical and professional standards.
• Provide client and/or parents, guardians, and escorts with instructions as needed regarding treatment and post-treatment care.
• Preparation of the operatories.
• Work safely with dental materials, sharp and contaminated instruments/ needles, and where anesthetic gases are used.
• Perform reprocessing procedures, operatory maintenance, monitor inventory and ensure supplies are restocked, including monitoring and maintaining dental emergency kit supplies.
• Ensure equipment is kept in good working order, following manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and sterilization of instruments, handpieces and equipment.
• Follow, keep current and maintain documents relating to all Quality Assurance and IPAC guidelines.
• Adhere to the SLFNHA Polices & Procedures Manual and the Dental Clinic Policy and Procedures Manual.
• Handling of sensitive, confidential data and personal health information in accordance with PHIPA and PIPEDA.
• Take part in the audit process.
• Assist with emergency situations and be aware of emergency protocols.
•Performs dental laboratory procedures such as preparing dental models, ensuring lab requisites are completed, and packages dentures and records for shipping.
• Respond to inquiries from allied health professionals or SLFNHA departments.
• Co-operative and self-directed; adaptable and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working conditions:
• Work is typically performed during regular clinic hours, with occasional evening or weekend shifts as needed.
• The role requires prolonged periods of standing, bending, and assisting during dental procedures.
• The role requires the ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 20 lbs, including equipment, supplies, and client care materials.
• Must be comfortable working in close proximity to others and using personal protective equipment (PPE) as per infection control protocols.
• Exposure to bodily fluids, dental materials, and standard dental instruments is part of the daily work environment.
• Some travel, including driving to other communities such as Lac Seul First Nation, will be required to provide dental services.

Benefits:

We offer competitive and comprehensive employment benefits to Full-Time employees:
• Pension plan
• Fitness reimbursement program
• Comprehensive insurance coverage
• Professional development opportunities
• Relocation assistance

Apply online at https://slfnha.com/careers/job-listing/

Human Resource Department
Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority
P.O. Box 1300, 61 Queen Street
Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1B8
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

SLFNHA currently “Strongly Recommends” COVID-19 immunizations and requests your immunization status to be sent to our staff health department if successful in the recruitment process.

Closing Date: August 21, 2025, at 16:30 CST.
No resumes received after this time will be accepted.

The Health Authority wishes to thank all applicants in advance. However, only those granted an interview will be contacted.

For additional information regarding the Health Authority, please visit our website at www.slfnha.com

SLFNHA is a proud supporter of Mikinakoos Children’s Fund. To find out more, visit www.mikinakoos.com