Dental Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the immediate supervision of the Dental Manager, the Dental Assistant has responsibility for providing chair side assistance to dentists, taking x-rays, preparing instruments and patients for examinations and treatment.  In the absence of the Dental Manager, the DA reports to the Clinic Manager.  The DA is a journey level position and provides para-professional dental care to clinic patients and performs all related duties as required. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Assists dentists by preparing and arranging dental instruments, equipment, and medication; prepares local anesthetic syringes for the dentist.


2. Prepares patients for treatment and examination.


3. Performs post-operative cleanup; cleans and sterilizes instruments.


4. Obtains dental x-rays and performs basic operating room procedures necessary in oral surgery.


5. Mixes impression materials and performs accurate measurement, temperature, set-up time and proper application of materials used to make facial and dental impressions.


6. Maintains dental records of patients as well as a variety of office records and special forms used in dental treatment.


7. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with patients, professionals, medical, administrative, and clerical support staff, as well as representatives from other Tribal departments and community resources groups.


8.  Provides patient education and instruction in proper practices of dental hygiene.


9. Maintains, monitors, and restocks dental supplies and equipment between examinations.


10. Schedules patient appointments.


11. Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. High School diploma or GED is required.


2. Graduation from an accredited Dental Assistant Program is required.


3. Two or more years of dental assistant experience is required.


4.  Possession of a valid certificate of examination for Coronal Polishing issued by the California State Board of Dental Examiners may be required.


5. Possession of a valid certificate of examination for Radiation Safety issued by the California State Board of Dental Examiners is required.


6. Valid certificate of examination for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is required.


7. Hepatitis B vaccine or documentation of refusal is required.


8. Valid California Driver’s License is required.


9. Must have knowledge of dental hygiene and dental assistant procedures, principles and methods of sterilization, and proper care and use of dental instruments equipment and materials.


10. Knowledge and understanding of medical and dental terms and prescription abbreviations needed to interpret patients’ charts and dentists’ instructions.


11. Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written directions.


12. Ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.


13. Must be able to recognize common dental problems and establish treatment priorities.


14. Must maintain sensitivity and objectivity to chronic medical and social problems, especially those specific to the Native American community.


15. Post job offer: CPR/BLS certification, TB test, and annual flu shot (during flu season) are required as a condition of employment, unless a medical/religious accommodation request is provided. Hepatitis B Vaccine will be offered at no cost to employees, but it is not required.

NATIVE PREFERENCE

Preference in hiring is given to either the most qualified applicant or a Native American candidate who meets the minimum qualifications. When two (2) or more Native American candidates have comparable qualifications, the following order of preference shall apply: (1) Members of Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians; (2) Spouses or domestic partners (certified through Tribal Court) of members of Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians; (3) Parents of children of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians; (4) All other documented Native Americans; (5) All other applicants in accordance with Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473. Applicants claiming Native preference must submit verification of Indian eligibility.

st submit verification of Indian eligibility.