Health - Dental Assistant II

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians; Michigan; On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians is seeking a qualified Dental Assistant to perform chair-side duties across restorative, prosthodontic, surgery, endodontic and periodontic procedures.

You will welcome patients, assist clinicians, and handle radiographs and lab duties in a busy clinic setting. Requirements include a High School diploma, CDA within first year, 3+ years of experience, background check and pre-employment drug testing; knowledge of Dentrix and dental software, excellent

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent; associate degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years of dental assisting experience.
• Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) within first year of hire.
• Background check and pre-employment drug screening required.

Responsibilities

• Provide chairside assistance during a variety of dental treatments.
• Operate dental x-ray equipment and develop radiographs.
• Welcomes and seats patients, takes vitals, and assists with follow-up care.
• Prepare sterile packs and assist with impressions and lab work.
• Maintain dental equipment and assist with patient education.

Skills

Dental assisting

Communication

Customer service

Confidentiality

Public relations

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Dentrix

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Responsible for performing chair-side duties in all phases of dentistry (restorative, prosthodontic, surgery, endodontic, and periodontic). Additionally, this position supports dental procedures, patient care, and office administration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Welcomes and seats patients, takes vitals and helps arrange follow-up care.
• Performs initial patient assessments.
• Provides comprehensive chairside assistance during a variety of dental treatments.
• Operates dental X-ray equipment to take intra- and extra oral radiographs; develops and finishes radiographs and mounts and identifies x-ray films.
• Provides pre-treatment patient education and relays post-treatment instructions.
• Provides preventive dental services (sealants, nutritional counseling, and toothbrush instructions) at the direction of the dentist
• Provides chair side assistance during oral examinations and restorative treatments: passes instruments and materials to and retrieves them from the dentist; operates oral evacuator and suction tip to keep area of operation clear; retracts tissue, cheek, and tongue.
• Prepares sterile packs, etc.
• Takes preliminary impressions and completes laboratory work (pour/trim models).
• Maintains and sterilizes dental equipment.
• Prepares for delivery and retrieves for placement dental laboratory work.
• Retrieves and stores dental records.
• Follow infection control protocols and procedures.
• Stocks and disposes of dental materials.
• Assists patients in completing medical histories.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists with oral health education for patients.
• Assists in the recording/charting of dental information within Dentrix.
• Assists with training for Dental Assistant Trainee.
• All other job-related duties as assigned.

CONTACTS:

Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, customers/patients, and outside vendors/service providers.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position medium with the lifting of 50 pounds maximum and frequent lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds. Physical factors include constant manual handling, use of hearing, near/midrange/far vision, depth perception, color/field of vision; frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, bending; occasional pushing/pulling, climbing, stooping, kneeling, and typing. Working conditions include frequent exposure to noise and vibration and occasional exposure to air quality. Potential hazards include constant infectious exposure, patient contact, and dental equipment use; frequent exposure to chemicals, needles/syringes, computer, and equipment use; occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts and electric shock Personal protection equipment provided by the employer includes items such as but not limited to, gloves, gowns, laboratory coats, face shields, masks, eye protection, mouthpieces, resuscitation bags, pockets masks, ventilation devices, and other equipment as needed. Immunizations including Hepatitis B vaccination series will be offered to a team member at no cost.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: High School diploma or equivalent. Associate’s degree is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of dental assisting experience is required.

Certification/License: Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) within first year of hire. Will be required to undergo and successfully pass a background check. Must maintain a good moral character standing. Will be required to complete and pass pre-employment drug testing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate competency in all areas of dental assisting. Must have a working knowledge of dental assisting. Must have a working knowledge of dental equipment/instruments. Must be able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, in a diverse range of audiences and settings. Must have excellent public relations/customer service skills and be able to exhibit a friendly and positive attitude. Must be able to establish and maintain effective communication with co-workers, supervisors, and clients. Must have working knowledge and be able to use word processing and spreadsheet and database software. Must maintain confidentiality. Native American preferred.