Dental Assistant Trainee

SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium; Wrangell (AK); On-site; USD 36,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Job summary

SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) is seeking a Dental Assistant to support dentists, therapists, hygienists, and the dental team in patient care and clinic operations in Alaska. The role involves chair-side assistance, operatory setup, radiographs, charting, and cross-site coverage.

The position requires completing dental assistant training and BLS, with ongoing competency and radiology certifications, to ensure safe, high-quality care within the SEARHC network.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent - required.
• BLS within 90 days of hire - required.
• Certificate of completion of Dental Assistant Training OR 6 months of dental assistant experience - required.
• Dental Assistant I Clinical Competency within 3 months of hire and every three 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 required within 3 months of hire and every year - required.

Responsibilities

• Greets, seats and prepares patient in appropriate treatment operatory.
• Prepares operatory in advance of appointment including instruments, radiographs, hand pieces, charts & supplies.
• Assists at chair-side using 4-handed techniques.
• Maintains operatories, lab, central sterilization and supply areas.
• Travel to provide coverage at other clinics.

Skills

Chair side assistance

Infection control

Radiographs

Patient communication

Dental charting

Team collaboration

Caries prevention

Oral health education

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS certification

Dental Assistant Training certificate or 6 months experience

Dental Assistant I Clinical Competency

Indian Health Service Radiology Certification

Sterile Processing Competency Assessment

High Risk Competency

Tools

Dental EHR

Sterilization equipment

Radiology equipment

Job description

Pay Range: Pay Range:$26.06 - $36.08 Facilitates delivery of dental services by assisting the dentists, dental therapists, hygienists, dental health aids, 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 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.
• 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.
• General: Able to utilize 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
• Able to accurately complete perio charting via multiple pathways
• Able to independently apply topical fluoride.
• Pediatric: Able to utilize 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
• Able to communicate with pediatric patients regarding instructions and Oral Health Information. Provide a welcoming and friendly environment for Children
• Orthodontics: Able to utilize the Dental Electronic Health Record for basic charting, scheduling, medical alerts, and conditions.
• Independently set up and assists for all orthodontic appointments.
• Able to independently affix wires, ties, and ligatures for patients in orthodontic treatment.
• Able to capture diagnostic impressions, for both digital and analog models.
• Able to fabricate 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. 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 polishing.
• Professional Behavior: Displays a courteous and professional behavior. Maintains a professional appearance.
• Other Duties: Accompanies providers on village field trips throughout the year. In the absence of the Dental Patient Coordinator, 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, maintenance of autoclave records. Other duties as assigned.

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required

• High school diploma or equivalent - required
• BLS certification within 90 days of hire - required
• Certificate of completion of Dental Assistant Training OR 6 months of dental assistant experience - required.
• Dental Assistant I Clinical Competency within 3 months of hire and every three 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 required within 3 months of hire and every year - required.

Experience Required

• Certificate of completion of Dental Assistant Training OR 6 months of dental assistant experience
• Knowledge of Dentistry
• Chair Side Dental assisting
• Dental Radiology Infection Control and Prevention
• Skills in Strong oral & written communication skills
• Advanced levels of hand & eye coordination skills
• Working level of organizational skillsAbility to Communicate with patients and staff
• Follow written and verbal instructions
• Treat patients and staff with respect
• 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!

We Want You to Join our Team Southeast Alaska is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, proudest Native cultures, and thriving pioneer spirits. SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) helps to keep it healthy. Every career with SEARHC comes with a positive work culture, a team with shared values, and competitive benefits.

SEARHC offers sign-on bonuses for Registered Nurses, Hot Jobs and Certified Nurses Assistants. At SEARHC, we are passionate about enhancing the health and wellbeing of our team as well as the communities we serve.

We Embody our Values: Respect Cultural Identity Service Professionalism Compassion