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Job Description
Summary:
Performs chair-side assistance and related duties in all phases of general dentistry and performs clinical sterilization and maintenance. Assists the dental team with direct patient care (infants, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics) and supports the dental programs throughout the Chugach Region.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Improves patient experience and quality of care by focusing on optimal patient access, continuity, and team-based care. Prepares operatory before appointment, including setting up sterile instrument trays, radiographs, handpieces, materials, and supplies. Organizes and lays out instruments and materials needed for each treatment properly. Greets and seats patients in a friendly, professional, and courteous manner; takes vital signs and prepares patients for dental treatment. Records information related to the patient's medical history and verbally informs the dentist if the patient has a medical problem or drug allergy. Performs digital scans, as well as digital and panoramic X-rays. Assists with patient data entry into the dental software programs. Performs chair-side assistance as anticipated or required in all phases of general dentistry, including tissue retraction, operatory air/water syringe and high-speed evacuation, passing instruments, preparing dental materials, maintaining dry field, etc. Performs fluoride treatment, including trays, fluoride varnish, and rinses. Provides the patient with the dentist's instructions for oral care following dental treatment. Maintains operatories neat and orderly, and within standards for clean sterile dental procedures. Assists with schedule maintenance and schedules patient appointments, and assists with referrals and obtaining prior authorizations. Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies, and equipment according to protocol and manufacturer's guidelines. Prepares and maintains trays, tubs, instrument packs, mobile carts, and supplies in an organized and uniform manner. Cleans, prepares, and maintains operatories, lab, central sterilization, and tray set-up areas. Cleans and sharpens instruments; sterilizes instruments using autoclave and dryclave techniques, and keeps necessary records thereof. Maintains appropriate infection control measures pre- and post-treatment. Assists with routing patients for dental treatment and services required. Maintains inventory and orders clinic supplies and materials necessary to serve the community's dental care needs. Packs and manages the dental field equipment and supplies for the villages when requested. Adheres to OSHA Compliance Standards by maintaining current Safety Data Sheets and sterilization and quality assurance procedures. Participates in continuous quality improvement activities. Participates in community prevention activities such as health fairs, school screenings, Head Start, Oral Health Programs etc. As required, travels to rural, remote areas in conjunction with the needs of the Region. Conforms to safety policies and general housekeeping practices. Demonstrates sound work ethics, flexibility, and shows dedication to the position. Demonstrates a positive attitude, is respectful, and possesses cultural awareness and sensitivity toward patients, co-workers, and others. Keeps customer service and the mission of the organization in mind when interacting with all patients, co-workers, and others. Expected to be prepared to start shift on time, meet attendance standards, and work the hours necessary to perform the essential functions of the job. Employees are expected to embrace, support, and promote the core values of respect, integrity, trust, compassion and quality which align with Chugachmiut's Mission and Vision through their actions and interactions with all patients, staff, and others. Conforms to Chugachmiut policies, strict employee confidentiality, and HIPAA regulations. Performs other duties as assigned or required.
Qualifications:
High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED). Completion of Dental Assistant Training Programor Dental Assistant Certification preferred. One or two years of related experience or equivalent combination of experience and training preferred. Current CPR Card or successful certification/recertification 6 months after hire. Experience working with Alaska Natives and/or other Native Americans is preferred.
Physical Environment:
The following demands are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. The position requires the ability to sit for a long period of time, a normal range of hearing and eyesight, eye-hand coordination, and manual dexterity to operate office equipment such as a computer keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator, and may be required to lift approximately 30 pounds. May be exposed to infectious diseases or hazardous equipment. Travel to remote locations by boat, snowmobile, ATV, or small plane is required, and employee must be willing and able to travel.
Hours of Work:
Work is performed during current business hours, with the potential to work extended hours during the week and/or weekend. Shifts of 7.5 hours or more per day will include a 1-hour unpaid lunch. Chugachmiut maintains a drug and alcohol and non-smoking work environment.
