Dental Assistant

Under the general supervision of the Dental Director, guided by the site-specific Dentist, this position is responsible to prepare the patient for the treatment, assist the Dentist in performing their treatment, prepare materials and equipment for treatment and have them ready for the Dentist’s use, take radiographs and assist the Dentist in laboratory work. May perform other related work to include, but not limited to, making appointments, answering the phone, and ordering supplies.

The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities, and positions titles as it deems necessary to meet the needs of the government. The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.

• Greets patients in the waiting area and escorts patients to and from the operatory.

• Assists the Dentist in the administration of treatment at the chair side as required or directed by the dentist.

• Promotes an atmosphere supportive of good dental and general health by demonstrating good oral hygiene, questioning patients to ascertain home care status, instructing patients in techniques of flossing and brushing in accordance with protocol.

• Assist in the oral health management of all dental patients.

• Maintain a sterile and neat working environment according to current infection control procedures.

• Review the health history, make chart entries under the direction of the operator and assure completion of forms and signatures.

• Familiarize the patient with the aspects of their dental visit and provide support and compassion to that patient when it is needed.

• Stock operatories and maintain clinical supply inventory.

• Review daily schedule to set up appropriate trays and instruments.

• Communicate and work with dental laboratories to ensure treatment cases are on schedule.

• Ensure the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with dental unit directive and department policy as well as Tribal, state federal regulations(s).

• Review daily schedule, updates as necessary, and informs the team members of any issues.

• Sets up appropriate trays and instruments prior to patient arrival and uses all available time to ensure the next day’s trays are prepared.

• Perform procedures based on the most updated Delegation of Duties Chart per the State of Michigan, Administrative Rules of Dentistry and those of which are delegated by the Dentist.

• Assist in front office procedures if time allows or need is determined.

• Assist with various dental administrative functions, as directed by the Dentist or Hygienist as appropriate and as time permits.

• Receive and place necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, dental clinic business and patient care of the dental unit.

• Supervise preventive maintenance of dental equipment.

• Serves as supply liaison. Communicates with purchasing department and vendors to assure prompt receipt of all orders.

• Conserves dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.

• Assists with, organizes and performs preventive oral health presentations at on-site and off-site locations.

• Assist with orientation of new dental team members.

• Complies with accepted standards of care, confidentiality and privacy laws, and policies and procedures of the NHBP in performing duties.

• Participates in dental team conferences, quality assurance, planning, and other types of meetings or activities designed to review, improve, enhance or expand services.

• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by completing continuing education activities, participating in performance improvement activities and doing self-study activities.

• Coordinates leave with the Dental Director, Health Office Manager and the members of the site dental team well in advance to ensure adequate coverage of dental services.

• Maintains appropriate and healthy working relationships with staff, patients, and community members.

• Represents the NHBP clinics and staff in a positive manner, within the community.

An applicant’s education, training and experience must be sufficient to demonstrate that the applicant possesses the ability to successfully perform each of the essential functions. The requirements listed below are generally representative of the education, experience, and skills and/or ability required to enable one to successfully perform the essential functions associated with his position:

• High School Diploma.

• Completion of a Dental Assisting Program or 1 year experience as a Dental Assistant.

• Dental Radiology Certificate or ability to gain certification within 6 months of hire.

• Must maintain a valid driver's license with good driving record, GSA certifiable and able to travel.

• Must be able to successfully complete and pass a comprehensive background investigation and drug screening in accordance with NHBP standards.

• Must be CPR/First Aid certified or able to become certified as training is offered.

• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality and have knowledge of HIPAA requirements.

• Must be able to adjust schedule as needed or required.

• Must possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Must possess strong administrative and organizational skills.

• Must be proficient in computer skills, including the ability to develop proficiency with the EDR software.

• Proficient computer skills including the ability to develop proficiency with the EDR software.

• Must always present in a professional demeanor and appearance.

• Ability to complete forms in an orderly and accurate fashion.

• Ability to understand, gain knowledge and appreciate the differences with the Native American culture and customs.

• Willingness to develop a comprehensive understanding of Trauma Informed Care and apply it to daily functions.

• Understanding of, willingness to learn, and ability to support programs and services that are culturally specific, cultural in nature, and culturally focused.

• Must be able to creatively work with other health care professionals from a variety of disciplines to achieve maximal program effectiveness and patient benefit.

• Comprehensive understanding of, or willingness to develop a comprehensive understanding of integrated care models as they apply to daily functions within an integrated health facility.

• Understanding of, willingness to learn, and ability to support programs and services that are culturally specific, cultural in nature, and culturally focused.

• Ability to organize and maintain electronic and physical files.

• Ability to be self-directed and be an excellent problem solver.

• Ability to work well in a team-centered environment with or without immediate supervision.

• Ability to work with constant interruptions and organize/prioritize duties.

• Ability to foster a positive work environment.

This position may contain information that is security sensitive and thereby subject to additional provisions. All information obtained will be protected under IHS/HIPAA policy rules and regulations.

• Certified Dental Assistant.

• Working knowledge of Dentrix.

• Five years of experience as a Dental Assistant.

• Demonstrated knowledge of dental health education subjects.

Tribal preference will be applied in accordance with the NHBP Indian Preference in Employment Code which requires that preference in employment be afforded to NHBP members, spouse/parents of NHBP members and Native Americans who meet the minimum qualifications and can successfully perform the essential functions for the position.

Fair Employment Practices Code (FEPC)