Dental Assistant

Nhbpi; Battle Creek (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401K with employer match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Holidays

Wellness programs

Education time off

Paid holidays

Sponsorship activities (NHBP)

Job summary

NHBP is seeking a Dental Assistant in Battle Creek, MI. Under the Dental Director, you will prepare patients, assist the Dentist at chair side, take radiographs, and manage supplies. You will also support front office tasks and ensure infection control and record-keeping standards are met. The role requires initiative, teamwork, and strong communication.

We offer comprehensive benefits, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development within the NHBP health services.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• Complete Dental Assisting Program or 1 year experience.
• Dental Radiology Certificate or ability to gain within 6 months.
• Valid driver's license with good driving record.
• Background check and drug screen required.
• CPR/First Aid certification or ability to become certified.
• HIPAA knowledge or willingness to learn.
• Flexible schedule as needed.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Proficient computer skills and EDR software.
• Professional demeanor and appearance.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients and escort to operatory.
• Assist Dentist at chair side during procedures.
• Instruct patients on oral hygiene and home care.
• Maintain sterile, organized operatories and inventories.
• Prepare trays and instruments for treatments.
• Take radiographs and assist with lab work.
• Answer phones, schedule appointments, and order supplies.
• Coordinate with laboratories and manage documentation.
• Ensure proper disposal of contaminated materials.
• Support front office duties when needed.

Skills

Chairside assistance

Excellent communication

Flexibility

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma

Dental Assisting Program

CPR/First Aid certification

Tools

EDR software

Dentrix (preferred)

Job description

Schedule: 4 – 10 hour shifts on days occurring within Monday through Friday.

Location: Battle Creek, MI

Application Deadline: 11-5-2026 at 9:00am

• Employees contribute minimal cost sharing towards medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account for Medical Reimbursement
• 100% Employer paid Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Accidental Death and
• Dismemberment Insurance
• Dependent Care FSA
• 401K Plan with eligible match – vesting on day 1
• A generous paid time off program where all employees begin earning accrued paid time off immediately upon hire
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program with Educational Release Time after 12 months
• Up to14 Paid Holidays
• Employee wellness and fitness programs
• Opportunities to participate in NHBP Sponsored activities
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness eligible employer

NHBP is a self-sustaining Sovereign Nation dedicated to achieving the shared vision of our community. Our mission is to preserve our culture and history, build a healthy community, provide essential services, and secure our financial future through strategic decision-making. We are always seeking outstanding individuals who wish help us fulfill this mission and join us on our journey to protect and promote the cultural, emotional, physical, and financial well-being of our Tribal community for the next Seven Generations.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Dental Director, guided by the site-specific Dentist, this position is responsible to prepare the patient for the treatment, assist the Dentist in performing their treatment, prepare materials and equipment for treatment and have them ready for the Dentist’s use, take radiographs and assist the Dentist in laboratory work. May perform other related work to include, but not limited to, making appointments, answering the phone, and ordering supplies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities, and positions titles as it deems necessary to meet the needs of the government. The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.

• Greets patients in the waiting area and escorts patients to and from the operatory.
• Assists the Dentist in the administration of treatment at the chair side as required or directed by the dentist.
• Promotes an atmosphere supportive of good dental and general health by demonstrating good oral hygiene, questioning patients to ascertain home care status, instructing patients in techniques of flossing and brushing in accordance with protocol.
• Assist in the oral health management of all dental patients.
• Maintain a sterile and neat working environment according to current infection control procedures.
• Review the health history, make chart entries under the direction of the operator and assure completion of forms and signatures.
• Familiarize the patient with the aspects of their dental visit and provide support and compassion to that patient when it is needed.
• Stock operatories and maintain clinical supply inventory.
• Review daily schedule to set up appropriate trays and instruments.
• Communicate and work with dental laboratories to ensure treatment cases are on schedule.
• Ensure the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with dental unit directive and department policy as well as Tribal, state federal regulations(s).
• Review daily schedule, updates as necessary, and informs the team members of any issues.
• Sets up appropriate trays and instruments prior to patient arrival and uses all available time to ensure the next day’s trays are prepared.
• Perform procedures based on the most updated Delegation of Duties Chart per the State of Michigan, Administrative Rules of Dentistry and those of which are delegated by the Dentist.
• Assist in front office procedures if time allows or need is determined.
• Assist with various dental administrative functions, as directed by the Dentist or Hygienist as appropriate and as time permits.
• Receive and place necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, dental clinic business and patient care of the dental unit.
• Supervise preventive maintenance of dental equipment.
• Serves as supply liaison. Communicates with purchasing department and vendors to assure prompt receipt of all orders.
• Conserves dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
• Assist with orientation of new dental team members.
• Complies with accepted standards of care, confidentiality and privacy laws, and policies and procedures of the NHBP in performing duties.
• Participates in dental team conferences, quality assurance, planning, and other types of meetings or activities designed to review, improve, enhance or expand services.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by completing continuing education activities, participating in performance improvement activities and doing self-study activities.
• Coordinates leave with the Dental Director, Health Office Manager and the members of the site dental team well in advance to ensure adequate coverage of dental services.
• Maintains appropriate and healthy working relationships with staff, patients, and community members.
• Represents the NHBP clinics and staff in a positive manner, within the community.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

An applicant’s education, training and experience must be sufficient to demonstrate that the applicant possesses the ability to successfully perform each of the essential functions. The requirements listed below are generally representative of the education, experience, and skills and/or ability required to enable one to successfully perform the essential functions associated with his position:

• High School Diploma.
• Completion of a Dental Assisting Program or 1 year experience as a Dental Assistant.
• Dental Radiology Certificate or ability to gain certification within 6 months of hire.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license with good driving record, GSA certifiable and able to travel.
• Must be able to successfully complete and pass a comprehensive background investigation and drug screening in accordance with NHBP standards.
• Must be CPR/First Aid certified or able to become certified as training is offered.
• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality and have knowledge of HIPAA requirements.
• Must be able to adjust schedule as needed or required.
• Must possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Must possess strong administrative and organizational skills.
• Must be proficient in computer skills, including the ability to develop proficiency with the EDR software.
• Proficient computer skills including the ability to develop proficiency with the EDR software.
• Must always present in a professional demeanor and appearance.
• Ability to complete forms in an orderly and accurate fashion.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to understand, gain knowledge and appreciate the differences with the Native American culture and customs.
• Willingness to develop a comprehensive understanding of Trauma Informed Care and apply it to daily functions.
• Understanding of, willingness to learn, and ability to support programs and services that are culturally specific, cultural in nature, and culturally focused.
• Must be able to creatively work with other health care professionals from a variety of disciplines to achieve maximal program effectiveness and patient benefit.
• Comprehensive understanding of, or willingness to develop a comprehensive understanding of integrated care models as they apply to daily functions within an integrated health facility.
• Understanding of, willingness to learn, and ability to support programs and services that are culturally specific, cultural in nature, and culturally focused.
• Ability to organize and maintain electronic and physical files.
• Ability to be self-directed and be an excellent problem solver.
• Ability to work well in a team-centered environment with or without immediate supervision.
• Ability to work with constant interruptions and organize/prioritize duties.
• Ability to foster a positive work environment.

SECURITY SENSITIVE

This position may contain information that is security sensitive and thereby subject to additional provisions. All information obtained will be protected under IHS/HIPAA policy rules and regulations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Working knowledge of Dentrix.
• Five years of experience as a Dental Assistant.
• Demonstrated knowledge of dental health education subjects.

INDIAN PREFERENCE

Tribal preference will be applied in accordance with the NHBP Indian Preference in Employment Code which requires that preference in employment be afforded to NHBP members, spouse/parents of NHBP members and Native Americans who meet the minimum qualifications and can successfully perform the essential functions for the position.

All applicants are subject to a comprehensive background check and must pass a drug screen.

NHBP does not recognize the use of recreational or medical marijuana.