Dental Assistant

Position Summary: Supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment room, patient, instruments, and materials; passing instruments and materials; performing procedures in compliance with the dental practice act.

Essential Functions:

• Complete procedures as listed in compliance with the Michigan Dental Practice act.
• Prepare treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
• Prepare patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and draping patient.
• Provide information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests.
• Provide instrumentation by sterilizing and delivering instruments to treatment area; positioning instruments for dentist's access; suctioning; passing instruments.
• Provide needed materials and supplies as directed by the supervising dentist.
• Provide diagnostic information by exposing and developing radiographic studies; pouring, trimming, and polishing study casts.
• Help dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining C.P.R. certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply, and emergency telephone directory.
• Educate patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control, and postoperative instructions.
• Document dental care services by charting in patient records as directed by supervising dentist.
• Maintain patient confidence by keeping information confidential.
• Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Protect patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Ensure operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques.
• Maintain dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
• Conserve dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Fill in at the front desk, when necessary.
• Perform other related functions as assigned.

Equipment:

• Standard office equipment
• Systems used: MS Office Applications, Internet, and Electronic Dental Record

Position Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Dental Assistant with x-ray certification in the State of Michigan. Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) in State of Michigan preferred.
• Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills, and the ability to speak effectively and respond to questions.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience preferred.

Indian Preference

• Pokagon Band Preference Code applies.

Physical Requirements:

• Work is generally sedentary in nature and will frequently require sitting, however standing and walking will occasionally be necessary.
• Frequently required to use hands and fingers to operate equipment.
• Frequently required to talk and hear.

Work environment:

• Work in well-lighted, heated, air-conditioned building.
• May be exposed to blood, body tissue and fluids as well as hazardous substances/ chemicals.
• Exposure to noise of agitated patients, significant work pace/pressure.
• Local travel is necessary, so the ability to travel is required.

Competencies:

• Client Focus
• Continuous Learning
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Exemplifying Integrity
• Planning and Organizing