Dental Assistant

SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium; Juneau (AK); On-site; USD 39,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Health insurance

Dental & Vision

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Job summary

SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) is seeking a Dental Assistant to support dentists in delivering high quality care across Southeast Alaska. You will assist with chairside procedures, radiographs, and patient flow while ensuring infection control and efficient clinic operations.

Requirements include high school diploma, BLS within 90 days, and dental assistant training certification. Travel to multiple clinics may be required; strong communication and organizational skills are

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• BLS certification within 90 days of hire.
• Certificate of Completion of a Dental Assistant Training.
• Dental Radiology Competency as per IHS standards.
• Sterile processing and infection control competency.
• High Risk Competency within required timeframe.
• 1 year of dental assistant experience preferred.
• Cross-trained in basics of another specialty.

Responsibilities

• Greets, seats and prepares patient in appropriate treatment operatory.
• Prepares operatory in advance of appointment with instruments and supplies.
• Assists at chair-side using 4-handed techniques.
• Travels with providers to cover other clinics as needed.
• Maintains and sterilizes operatories, labs and sterilization area.
• Captures radiographs accurately and with minimal retakes.
• Manage patient flow and dental records within EHR.
• Support pediatric and orthodontic appointment setups as needed.
• Participates in clinic QA and staff meetings.

Skills

Chairside Assistance

Dental Radiology

Infection Control

Communication Skills

Organization

Education

High school diploma

BLS certification within 90 days

Dental Assistant Training Cert.

Clinical Competency in Dental Radiology (IHS)

Sterile Processing Competency

High Risk Competency

Job description

Pay Range:Pay Range:$27.81 - $38.62 Facilitates delivery of dental services by assisting the dentists with direct patient care and the day-to-day operation of the Dental Clinic.SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job Greets, seats and prepares patient in appropriate treatment operatory. Prepares operatory in advance of appointment including instruments, radiographs, hand pieces, charts & supplies according to specialty. Assists at chair-side using 4- handed techniques. Travels with providers to provide coverage at other clinics. Cleans, prepares, and maintains operatories, labs, central sterilization and tray set up area. Prepares & maintains trays, tubs, instrument packs, mobile carts and supplies in an organized and uniform manner. Fluently anticipates provider needs to streamline clinic and appointment flow. Helps mentor DA trainees and new employees.GeneralAble to fluently utilize the Dental Electronic Health Record for all charting, scheduling, medical alerts, and conditions.Able to utilize mult-icodes, continuing care, and chart notes with minimal supportProactively Sets up and assists for all appointment types seen in a General Dental Clinic, including advanced Surgical Oral Surgery, Restorative, Implant Surgery, and EndodonticsPerforms Setup for all fixed and removable prosthodontics appointments as well as help capture and fabricate removable appliances and crownsAble to accurately complete perio charting via multiple pathwaysAble to accurately and routinely capture all radiographs without assistance and with few retakesAble to independently apply topical fluoride.Able to set up basic Pediatric and Orthodontic appointment typesPediatricAble to fluently utilize the Dental Electronic Health Record for basic charting, scheduling, medical alerts, and conditions.Fluently 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, as well as advanced pediatric appointment types such as assisting in knee-to-knee exams and procedures, assists for CO2 laser infant frenectomy, and pediatric pulp therapy proceduresAble to communicate with pediatric patients regarding instructions and Oral Health Information.Provide a welcoming and friendly environment for ChildrenAble to accurately and routinely capture all radiographs without assistance and with few retakesAble to set up basic general and Orthodontic Appointment typesOrthodonticsAble to fluently utilize the Dental Electronic Health Record for basic charting, scheduling, medical alerts, and conditions. ·Identifies all Orthodontic related continuing care.Independently set up and assists for all orthodontic appointments.Able to independently affix all wires, ties, and ligatures for patients in orthodontic treatment.Correctly sizes orthodontic bands and fits arch wires to patient needsAble to capture diagnostic impressions, both digital and analog. Understands and utilizes knowledge of brackets and wire sequencesAble to fabricate Essix retainers, nightguards, and pour all diagnostic models accurately.Able to set up basic general and pediatric Appointment typesOther 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. 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 able to take electronic radiographs and save them in the correct location.Prevention: 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 upon certification; coronal polishingProfessional Behavior: Displays courteous and professional behavior. Maintains a professional appearance.Other Duties: Accompanies dentist on village field trips throughout the year. In the absence of the receptionist, 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 as scheduled. Participates in clinic Q.I. program including dental chart audits, maintenance of autoclave records. Other duties as assigned.Education, Certifications, and Licenses RequiredHigh school diploma or equivalent - requiredBLS certification within 90 days of hire - requiredCertificate of Completion of a Dental Assistant Training - preferredDental Assistant 2 Clinical Competency within 3 months of hire and every 3 years - required.Indian Health Service Radiology Certification within 3 months of hire and every year - required.Sterile Processing Competency Assessment within 6 months of hire and every year - required.High Risk Competency within 3 months of hire and every - required.Experience Required1 year of Dental Assistant ExperienceIs cross trained on the basics of another specialtyKnowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge of:Chairside Dental Assisting.Dental RadiologyInfection ControlSkills in:Strong oral & written communication skills Advanced levels of hand & eye coordination skills Working level of organizational skillsAbility to:Communicate with patients and staffFollow written and verbal instructionsTreat patients and staff with respectTravel Required: Moderate: Up to 20% travel expectedRequired 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 - SEARHCIf you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!