Dental Assistant 3 Senior Level

Swinomish Indian Tribal Community; La Conner (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Vision insurance

Job summary

The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community seeks a Dental Assistant 3 Senior Level to lead clinical operations in a high-volume 16-chair clinic. You will chairside assist, train new staff and support complex procedures with advanced technology under supervision.

This role emphasizes efficiency, patient care, and team development. Ideal candidates demonstrate advanced dental assisting skills, leadership, and the ability to manage workflows and annual tasks while ensuring quality care and compliance

Qualifications

• Performs state-approved DA functions independently.
• Thorough knowledge of modern dentistry principles and practices.
• Demonstrates leadership, mentorship, and teamwork.
• Familiar with infection control protocols and dental technology.

Responsibilities

• Chairside assisting during dental procedures.
• Infection control, sterilization, and equipment maintenance.
• Patient education and post-treatment instructions.
• Operatory setup and breakdown.
• Compliance with OSHA and clinic protocols.
• Participation in community outreach and events.
• Lead trainer for onboarding new staff.

Skills

Dental assisting

Infection control

Leadership

Teamwork

Communication

CPR certification

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Electronic Dental Records

CBCT

Digital imaging

SOLEA

Job description

JOB TITLE:

Dental Assistant 3 Senior Level

DEPARTMENT:

Dental

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Dental Assistant 3 (DA3) is a senior-level clinical lead who leverages advanced skills and experience to support complex procedures, primary trainer of new dental assistants/back office staff, and supports coordination of daily clinical operations under the direction of the Dental Assistant Supervisor. A DA3 is highly capable in training and assisting advance procedures and utilizing specialized technology, monitors overall chair time for providers with full awareness of clinical flow, and manages monthly and annual operational tasks. This role maximizes the clinical efficiency of a high volume, 16 chair, modern & innovative clinic while enhancing quality of care and team development.

JOB DUTIES:

• Chairside assisting during dental procedures
• Infection control, sterilization, and equipment maintenance
• Patient education and post-treatment instructions
• Operatory setup and breakdown
• Compliance with OSHA and clinic protocols
• Participate in community outreach and preventative service events
• DA3-Primary Responsibilities
• Assists independently in all general and advances dentistry procedures, especially, complex restorative and surgical care including implant surgery.
• Self-sufficiently performs all DA1 and DA2 responsibilities with high efficiency and without direction.
• Serves as the main trainer for onboarding new dental assistants/back office staff, externs, volunteers, and/or students.
• Manages daily clinical flow, reassigns staff where applicable, and delegate additional tasks as needed.
• Enforces DA assignments on daily schedule as directed by DA Supervisor.
• Liaison between dental assistants (DAs), Dental Assistant Supervisor, and providers.
• Oversees monthly and annual operational and compliance tasks.
• Manages dental lab devices and inventory. Troubleshoots and resolves lab disputes and instrument malfunction with lab vendor(s)
• Manages inventory and supplies for implant and complex treatment programs.
• Liaison with labs, digital scanning supplier, and clinical support company.
• Member of the QA/QI Committee ensuring workflows, care delivery processes and procedures, and risk management system are in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Organizes and leads DA training initiatives as directed by DA Supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

• Performs state-approved DA functions independently.
• Thorough knowledge of modern dentistry principle and practices and prevention of dental disease.
• Executes consistent clinical performance and patient related administrative tasks without direction.
• Demonstrates proficiency in dental technology (Electronic Dental Records, digital imaging and impressions, CBCT, new equipment such as SOLEA).
• Demonstrates mastery of DA competencies (diagnostic records, temporary crown/bridge, two handed preventative treatments, specialized equipment).
• Demonstrates flexibility and time management when assisting all dental provider types and/or overseeing multiple operatory rooms and procedures.
• Demonstrates leadership, mentorship, organizational skills, and professionalism.
• (Preferred) Performs certified Expanded Function Dental Assisting (EFDA) functions in addition to current assistant responsibilities:
• Places and finishes direct restorations.
• Supragingival scaling during prophylaxis procedure.
• (Preferred) Advanced trainings and/or certifications (surgical care, sedation, etc.):
• 5+ years of experience or equivalent.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated proficiency in advanced dental assisting and preventative procedures.
• Skills in communicating oral health information effectively, both verbally and written.
• Knowledgeable in infection control protocols and ability to lead by example in best practices.
• Commitment to providing culturally appropriate services.
• Excellent chairside manner that promotes a safe, effective, culturally conscientious environment for patients and staff.
• Strengths in listening, teamwork, thoroughness and interest in self-development.
• Demonstrates team player with dedication to excellence and personal integrity manifested in a positive and credible image.

License and Certificate Requirements

• High School Diploma, GED. or equivalent.
• Active/Current WA DA Registration upon hire.
• Current CPR (BLS) certification.
• Current immunization record with most recent immunizations recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Immunization of Health-Care Personnel: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

Work Environment and Time Commitment

• Work 40 hours per week
• Perform tasks indoors or outdoors with/without long periods of standing and/or sitting
• Able to lift up to ~20 pounds
• Demonstrate the ability to work and engage as a team and with other Swinomish departments

BENEFITS:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

POLICIES AND INSTRUCTIONS

The Tribe complies with the Tribal Preference policy outlined in the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO), STC Title 14, Chapter 1, Subsection 14.01.120(A)(2) of the Swinomish Tribal Code.