Dental Assistant I

SUMMARY

This position provides various kinds of assistance to the dentist and the clinic. Work includes patient preparation, chair-side assistance, and record keeping.  Reports administratively to the Practice Manager and reports clinically to the Dentist/Dental Director.

JOB DUTIES

• Cleans and sterilizes dental equipment and instruments using autoclave according to infection control standards; cleans and disinfects dental work areas according to infection control standards.
• Stores and maintains adequate supplies in dental work areas at all times, inclusive of all related material and equipment.
• Works with potentially hazardous materials and equipment such as: x-ray equipment and chemicals, body fluids such as saliva and blood, sharp instruments, and various other chemical preparations.
• Prepares dental work area for dentist, including seating and draping patient, setting out instruments, materials, and all other items needed for procedure.
• Assists provider as chair-side assistant, passing and receiving instruments, preparing and passing materials, using oral evacuation, and providing tissue retraction.
• Reviews health history with patients, explains post-treatment instructions.
• Makes dental radiographs as prescribed by dentist (processes, mounts, and records identifying information on them).
• May evaluate finished radiographs for their diagnostic acceptability, and consulting with provider / re-taking as necessary.
• Prepares supplies, instruments, and equipment for village travel, and works overtime as needed during those trips.
• Enters basic data into computer as assigned, accesses, reads, and responds as necessary to written material and e-mail on a daily basis.
• Adheres to HIPAA regulations.
• Takes alginate impressions for models and custom trays.
• Fabricates temporary crowns.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of dental terminology and instrumentation.
• Strong understanding and sensitivity to Alaska Native culture and lifestyle, with demonstrated experience working effectively with Alaska Native population.
• Strong written, analytical, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Effective oral and written communications skills with sensitivity to lifestyles of targeted participants.

• Skills in operating personal computer using a variety of computer software.
• Ability to keep accurate records and produce timely and accurate written reports.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality as required for HIPAA, other regulations and organization matters.
• Ability to learn and apply program/agency operating policies and procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks concurrently and meet deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships, including outside contacts.
• Ability to work independently as well as with teams.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Six (6) months previous Dental Assistant or Dental Assistant Trainee experience; OR
• Completion of a formal Dental Assistant Program.
• Current CPR/First Aid or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• A combination of experience, education, and training may substitute for degree requirements on a year for year basis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Two (2) years’ experience as a Dental Assistant.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The work is generally sedentary, requiring routine walking, standing, bending, and carrying of items weighing less than 25 lbs. The majority of work is performed in an clinical office setting with a wide variety of people with differing functions, personalities, and abilities. CRNA is a smoke free and tobacco free campus. May require local travel between compact services of CRNA which may involve exposure to extreme weather conditions. Works in an environment where protection of client confidentiality is essential. Personal Protective Equipment will be provided when and where needed.

SPECIFICATIONS

Supervision Received:

Work will be monitored through meetings, reports, and regular communication with the immediate supervisor. General guidelines for operations are based on program requirements, conditions of grant award(s), and the general policies and procedures of CRNA. 

Supervision Exercised:

Position will not provide direct supervision.

Contacts:

Contacts include and not limited to volunteers, organizational staff, clients, and outside agencies.

CONDITIONS OF HIRE

• All employment at CRNA is “at will.” This means that the employee or CRNA may terminate employment at any time and for any reason. Unless specified in writing, no term of employment is expressed or implied for this position.
• CRNA is a no tolerance workplace. All employees must pass an initial and random drug and alcohol screening to be eligible for and maintain employment.
• CRNA has several positions that require a criminal background check for the safety of our clients. All employment offers in the “covered” classification are conditional until CRNA has received a Federal criminal background check verifying eligibility to work in these programs.
• First Aid/CPR certification must be obtained within 90 days of hire for required positions.
• As applicable by position and company policy, must meet standards for fitness for duty, immunizations, credentialing and privileging.