Dental Assistant

Mohican Nation•Bowler, WI

About The Position

The Dental Assistant supports dentists in patient preparation, chairside treatment, patient release, infection control, electronic dental records, laboratory work, radiography, preventive care, insurance processing, and dental department purchasing and equipment maintenance. The role also performs specified intraoral procedures under the dentist’s immediate supervision and may perform front desk duties as needed. Employees are expected to act professionally, contribute to a positive team environment, maintain reliable attendance, and comply with applicable tribal laws, policies, safety requirements, and workplace rules.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
At least 18 years of age.
Knowledge of preventive dentistry sufficient to instruct patients in oral hygiene practices.
Knowledge of office procedures and record-keeping systems.
Skill and dexterity to manipulate dental instruments, place dental materials, and perform dentist-directed intraoral procedures.
Ability to communicate well and relate to the public.
Ability to perform recurring clerical, clinical maintenance, laboratory, radiography, and record-keeping duties independently according to established instructions and procedures.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with minimal supervision.
Participation in the employee random drug-testing program; submission to criminal investigation and background security checks; and eligibility for the Elder/Youth License requirement.
Eligibility for coverage under the employer’s liability insurance.
Ability to meet the position’s physical requirements and comply with departmental and organizational safety, testing, and uniform guidelines.
Must pass pre-employment drug and health screening and comply with the Tribe’s Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Policy.
Demonstrated ability to maintain a satisfactory work record in prior or current employment.
Must maintain an acceptable departmental attendance record and obtain and maintain the required Elder/Youth License.
Must be able to satisfactorily complete an exam or other testing to determine skill proficiency if required.

Nice To Haves

Satisfactory completion of an approved vocational/technical training program for Dental Assistants, or at least one year of work experience as a Dental Assistant or in another position; candidates meeting this preference must know common general-practice dental procedures, instruments, and their order of use.
In lieu of an approved Dental Assistant vocational/technical program, satisfactory completion of an approved Dental Radiology Program and/or at least one year of experience performing panorex and intraoral radiographs.

Responsibilities

Greet and seat patients; record medical history changes, allergies, medications, and blood pressure; obtain consent forms and enter appointment and procedure information in electronic dental records (EDR).
Prepare and organize instruments and materials, provide four-handed chairside assistance, retract and suction, record information relayed by the dentist, and expose digital X-rays when needed.
Rinse patients’ mouths, provide dentist-directed post-treatment instructions, and escort patients to reception after treatment.
Perform infection-control procedures, including disinfecting operatories, cleaning and sterilizing instruments and handpieces, maintaining sterilization logs, cleaning traps and suction, and maintaining sterilization equipment and laboratory items.
Manage dental supply and equipment purchasing and maintenance, including vendor contacts, purchase requests and orders, invoice reconciliation, records, repairs, maintenance schedules, bids, and Safety Data Sheets.
Place matrix bands and wedges when required.
Prepare and update patient EDR records, including restorations, treatment plans, periodontal charting, medical alerts, health histories, medications, allergies, health status, visit information, blood pressure, and diabetic status; alert dentists when patients are ready and communicate scheduling needs.
Use EDR functions to identify future appointments and support patient education; perform front desk duties and schedule appointments when needed.
Perform laboratory assisting, including pouring, trimming, and labeling models; constructing custom impression trays, splints, and soft mouthguards; and preparing, receiving, and routing laboratory cases.
Expose and develop intraoral and extraoral digital radiographs.
Instruct patients in preventive dental care and oral hygiene, explain common causes of decay and the relationship to diet, assist with oral health education programs, and perform child and adult prophylaxis including topical fluoride application.
Under the dentist’s immediate supervision, place dental materials and perform intraoral procedures that do not involve cutting tissue, including applying rubber dams or cotton rolls, taking diagnostic impressions, modifying trays, and fabricating and cementing temporary crowns.
Monitor and submit patient and procedure information to insurance providers, including Medicaid.
Attend job-related in-service sessions, meetings, and training; maintain professional and technical knowledge; and comply with tribal laws, personnel policies, and procedures.
Maintain confidentiality, reliability, prompt attendance, and compliance with applicable drug-testing, background-screening, safety, testing, and uniform requirements.