Dental Assistant - Orthodontics

SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium; Juneau (AK); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision benefits

Paid time off

Life insurance

Job summary

SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium—Dental Clinic seeks a dental assistant to help dentists provide care to patients of all ages, from infants to geriatrics. The role includes preparing treatment operatories, four-handed chair-side assistance, and maintaining equipment and supplies.

You will support clinical processes, perform basic lab tasks, take impressions, and relay post-treatment care instructions. Opportunities exist for community outreach and on-site field activities.

Qualifications

• Basic chair-side dental assisting skills and patient care.
• Familiarity with dental radiology and infection control practices.
• Ability to follow charting protocols and maintain operatory cleanliness.

Responsibilities

• Greet, seat and prepare patients for treatment.
• Assist at chair-side using four-handed dentistry.
• Maintain operatory, lab, sterilization and supply areas.
• Perform basic lab tasks like acrylic trays and diagnostic casts.
• Take impressions and bite registrations.
• Communicate post-treatment instructions to patients.
• Assist with village field trips and community prevention activities.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Hand-eye coordination

Organization

Chair-side dental assisting

Dental radiology

Infection control

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CPR certification

BLS certification

Job description

Develop the skills necessary to facilitate delivery of dental services by assisting the dentists with direct patient care (infants, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric) 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 JobGreets, seats and prepares patient in appropriate treatment operatoryPrepares operatory in advance of appointment including instruments, radiographs, hand pieces, charts and suppliesAssists at chair-side using 4-handed techniques including tissue retraction, operatory air/water syringe and high-speed evacuation, passing instruments, preparing dental materials, maintaining dry field, etc.Verbally relays post treatment instruction to patientsRecords examination results using proper charting protocol; completes progress notes when appropriateResponsible for basic laboratory procedures including custom acrylic trays fabrication, occlusal guard fabrication, pouring and trimming of diagnostic castsCleans, prepares, and maintains operatories, lab, central sterilization and tray set up areaPrepares and maintains trays, tubs, instrument packs, mobile carts and supplies in an organized and uniform mannerPerforms routine basic maintenance of dental equipment hand pieces, autoclave, automatic x-ray developer, high-speed evacuation etc.Takes impressions and bite registrationsPlaces and removes orthodontic ligatures, bands, separators and appliances as directed by treating dentistOther FunctionsAccompanies dentist on village field trips throughout the yearParticipates in Community Prevention activities i.e. school screening, Headstart, Oral Health Programs, Health Fairs etc.In the absence of the receptionist, answers the telephone, directs calls, takes messages, manages appointment book, and maintains patient flowOther duties as assignedAdditional Details:Education, Certifications, and Licenses RequiredHigh school diploma or equivalent preferred.CPR certificate preferred.BLS required within 90 days of start.Clinical Competency required within 3 months of hire and every 3 yearsHigh Risk Competency required within 3 months of hire and every yearExperience RequiredNoneKnowledge ofChair Side Dental assistingDental RadiologyInfection ControlSkills inStrong oral & written communication skillsAdvanced levels of hand & eye coordination skillsWorking level of organizational skillsAbility toCommunicate with patients and staffFollow written and verbal instructionsTreat patients and staff with respectPosition Information:Work Shift:OT 8/40If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!