Dental Assistant

3M HEALTHCARE; Haines (AK); On-site; USD 35,900 - 49,703; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Job summary

SEARHC seeks a Dental Assistant to support dentists, dental therapists, hygienists, and other staff in a multi-clinic setting in Southeast Alaska. The role includes patient preparation, chair-side assistance, radiographs, sterilization, and dental charting using the EHR system.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, Dental Assistant training or 6 months of experience, BLS within 90 days, and radiology certification within 6 months.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Dental Assistant Training certificate or 6 months of dental assistant experience.
• BLS certification within 90 days of hire.
• Radiology certificate within 6 months of hire.
• Clinical competency within 3 months and every 3 years.
• High Risk Competency within 3 months and annually.

Responsibilities

• Greets, seats and prepares patients in appropriate treatment operatory.
• Prepares operative rooms with instruments, radiographs, and supplies.
• Assists at chair-side using four-handed techniques.
• Maintains infection control and sterilization of operatories.
• Travels with providers to cover other clinics as needed.
• Uses Dental EHR for charting and scheduling.

Skills

Chair-side assisting

Infection control

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Team player

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Dental Assistant Training certificate

BLS certification

Radiology certificate

Clinical competency training

High Risk Competency

Job description

Pay Range: $26.06 - $36.08

Facilitates delivery of dental services by assisting the dentists, dental therapists, hygienists, dental health aides, and other team members with direct patient care and the day-to-day operation of the dental clinic. SEARHC is a non‑profit health consortium that serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, vision benefits, life insurance, and long and short‑term disability.

General Dental Clinic Responsibilities

• Greets, seats and prepares patients in appropriate treatment operatory.
• Prepares operative rooms in advance of appointments, including instruments, radiographs, handpieces, charts & supplies according to specialty.
• Assists at the chair‑side using four‑handed techniques.
• Cleans, prepares, and maintains operatories, lab, central sterilization and tray set‑up area.
• Prepares & maintains trays, tubs, instrument packs, mobile carts and supplies in an organized and uniform manner.
• Travels with providers to provide coverage at other clinics.
• Utilizes the Dental Electronic Health Record for basic charting, scheduling, medical alerts, and conditions.
• Independently sets up and assists for all appointment types seen in a General Dental Clinic.
• Performs setup for all fixed and removable prosthodontics appointments.
• Accurately completes perio charting via multiple pathways.
• Independently applies topical fluoride.

Pediatric Dental Clinic Responsibilities

• Utilizes the Dental Electronic Health Record for basic charting, scheduling, medical alerts, and conditions.
• Independently sets up and assists for all appointment types seen in a Pediatric Dental Clinic: appointments with nitrous oxide, pre‑cooperative age pediatric exams, and fluoride visits.
• Communicates with pediatric patients regarding instructions and oral health information.
• Provides a welcoming and friendly environment for children.

Orthodontics Responsibilities

• Utilizes the Dental Electronic Health Record for basic charting, scheduling, medical alerts, and conditions.
• Independently sets up and assists for all orthodontic appointments.
• Independently affixes wires, ties, and ligatures for patients in orthodontic treatment.
• Captures diagnostic impressions, for both digital and analog models.
• Fabricates Essix retainers.

Other Functions

• Infection Control: Follows proper infection control protocol emphasizing universal precautions as specified in Section VII of the Oral Health Program Guide for the Indian Health Service. Disinfects dental treatment rooms and performs instrument cleaning, sterilization/disinfection, and recirculation.
• Radiographs: Properly exposes, develops, and mounts radiographs demonstrating radiological competency according to the I.H.S. Radiological Health and Safety Dental Program Manual. If the site is electronic, takes electronic radiographs and saves them in the correct location.
• Prevention: Demonstrates working knowledge of proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques. Provides age‑appropriate recommendations on topical fluorides, delivers topical fluoride and antimicrobial treatments, applies sealants, and performs coronal polishing.
• Professional Behavior: Displays courteous and professional behavior and maintains a professional appearance.
• Accompanies providers on village field trips throughout the year. When the Dental Patient Coordinator is absent, answers the telephone, directs calls, takes messages, manages appointment book, and maintains patient flow.
• Maintains and improves professional skills and knowledge. Attends dental staff meetings and huddles as scheduled. Participates in clinic Q.I. program including dental chart audits and maintenance of autoclave records.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certificate of completion of Dental Assistant Training OR 6 months of Dental Assistant Experience.
• Completion of Dental Assistant 1 Competency form OR 6 months of Dental Assistant Experience and completion of the form within 6 months of hire.
• Completion of Sterilization Course OR 6 months of Dental Assistant Experience, completion of the form within 6 months of hire.
• BLS required within 90 days of start.
• Clinical Competency required within 3 months of hire and every three years.
• High Risk Competency required within 3 months of hire and every year.
• Indian Health Service Radiology Certificate or equivalent within 6 months of hire.

Experience Required

• Completion of Dental Assistant Training OR 6 months of Dental Assistant Experience.
• Knowledge of chair‑side dental assisting, dental radiology, and infection control.
• Strong oral & written communication skills.
• Advanced hand & eye coordination.
• Organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate with patients and staff, follow written and verbal instructions, treat patients and staff with respect, and work well in a team setting.
• Travel Required: Moderate – up to 20% travel expected.
• Required Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association; Certificate of Clinical Competency in Dental Radiology – SEARHC – Indian Health Services; Clinical Competency Assessment – SEARHC; High Risk Competency – SEARHC.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over‑achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!