POSITION SUMMARY

The Dental Assistant (DA) is a key member of the Native American Health Center’s four-handed dental process, and will increase dentists’ efficiency by providing needed support. The primary responsibility of the DA is to assist dentists at chair-side, and to support departmental staff. The DA must be professional, objective, and have superior customer service standards.

A lab coat will be provided by the Dental Department. The DA must wear personal protective equipment such as protective eyewear, masks and gloves and follow specific company and OSHA procedures when handling hazardous materials. Long hair must be tied back away from the face and no jewelry may be worn (i.e., earrings, rings.). Cleanliness above all is essential. Punctuality and professional demeanor at all times is required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Perform all duties with excellence and in accordance with the Dental Practice Act of California.
2. Provide support to dentists. This includes following all instructions from the assigned dentist at chair-side.
3. Greet all patients in a courteous, professional, and timely manner.
4. Ability to work in the General and Pediatric Dental Clinics.
5. Explain plaque control to all patients in a manner that ensures their understanding.
6. In collaboration with the dentists, provide oral hygiene instructions to patients and parents/caregivers.
7. Apply topical anesthetic as requested by the assigned dentist.
8. Check patients; vital signs (i.e., blood pressure, temperature, etc.) as necessary and/or requested by the assigned dentist.
9. Prepare operatory for patient reception, according to departmental policy. Ensure operatory is as aseptic as possible for patient welfare.
10. Ensure pre-set trays are well maintained, and always ready to be used for procedures.
11. Proactively review chart notes for the planned treatment, in order to set up trays and operatory appropriately.
12. Ensure all materials and instruments needed for providing treatment are ready and available for use.
13. Prepare anesthesia for transfer to the assigned dentist.
14. Retract oral tissues in order to increase visual access into the oral cavity.
15. Remove excess moisture from the mouth by using hi-vac systems and/or air.
16. Properly transfer instruments to dentists while maintaining extremely high attention to detail and adhering to sterilization standards.
17. Prepare and properly deliver any required restorative materials to dentists. Obtain Informed Consent prior to dental treatment, and deliver postoperative instructions with guidance from assigned dentist.
18. Assist clinical staff in optimizing patient flow. This will include restocking items, seating patients, ‘floating’, and supporting other dental team members with patient care.
19. Keep work area well organized, stocked, and clean at all times.
20. Keep uninvolved people out of the operatories at all times.
21. Take impressions for diagnostic and opposing study models.
22. Pour impressions with proper stone, package them for transport to dental laboratory, and forward to the receptionist.
23. Operate digital dental radiographic equipment for the purpose of oral radiography.
24. Proactively inform the Dental Lead RDA of any supplies that need to be replenished, so a consistent level of supplies is maintained at all times.
25. Assist the assigned dentist with referrals, prescription phone-ins, and other processes involved in providing high quality dental care.
26. DA, as deemed necessary and requested by Lead RDA or supervisors, will perform Sterilization duties in both the Dental and Pediatric Dental Clinics by performing sterilization and maintenance procedure according to departmental policy.
27. Patient Care: Demonstrate understanding and apply working knowledge of safety policies and ensuring safe patient practices.
28. Employee Safety: Safely performs all duties; follows required protective protocols to ensure personal safety as well the safety of others.
29. Must maintain compliance with ergonomic safety standards; be mindful of posture and regularly practice ergonomic stretches.
30. Actively participate in internal quality improvement teams and work with members proactively to drive quality improvement initiatives in accordance with the mission and strategic goals of the organization, federal and state laws and regulations, and accreditation standards when assigned.
31. Work extremely well under pressure, meet multiple and often competing deadlines.
32. At all times demonstrate cooperative behavior with supervisors, subordinates, colleagues, clients, vendors and the community
33. Provide translation services, as needed, for the department.
34. Engage in outreach and dental treatment off-site at Head Start and other collaborating agencies sites when assigned.
35. All other duties as assigned by direct supervisor, assigned dentist and the Dental Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. A high school diploma or its equivalent is required.
2. Must have DA Certification and prior experience working as a Dental Assistant is required, preferably with a minimum of 2 years.
3. Must possess a radiological safety license.
4. Must have current CPR certification, proof of current TB test Hepatitis Vaccine, and have had a recent physical exam.
5. Must be computer literate and have experience with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
6. Experience with NextGen, Dentrix and other database programs are preferred.
7. Knowledge of the Bay Area Native American community with a commitment to serving Native Americans and other vulnerable patient populations is required.
8. Willingness to be trained and have the ability to retain information of the assigned duties and responsibilities.
9. Must have strong organizational skills and technical acumen to carry out above assigned duties. Must have high attention to detail and be able to multi-task.
10. Must have superior customer service skills, and be able to communicate effectively – verbally and in writing - with varying audiences.
11. Must complete yearly OSHA training and possess up-to-date CPR certification.
12. Must work well independently and as a part of a team.
13. Spanish – speaking is a plus

Benefits: Native American Health Center (NAHC) considers our employees to be our most valuable resource and offers an excellent benefit package: competitive salaries, personal time off (PTO) or sick/vacation leave program, and an employer contribution 403(b) retirement plan to full-time regular status employees. We also provide medical, vision, dental, flexible spending, group term and voluntary life insurance coverage for employees and their dependents—with a percentage of employee contribution for dependent medical premiums.
Note to Applicants: Please be advised a post job offer, pre-employment Physical and TB test are required as a condition of employment.
Additionally, you may be asked to get a Department of Justice Fingerprinting clearance as a contingency for an offer of employment. Criminal clearances are obtained to protect the welfare and safety of clients receiving services at NAHC.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Within the scope of Indian Preference, all candidates will receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin or other non-merit factors.
Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): Native American Health Center abides by the mandates of the ADEA (protecting individuals 40 years and older) and considers age a non-merit factor in all employment decisions and considerations.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Native American Health Center abides by the mandates of the ADA and considers disability a non-merit factor in all employment decisions and considerations. Furthermore, NAHC will make any practical, feasible, and reasonable arrangements to accommodate qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.