Supervisor (Dental Assistants)

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community • Scottsdale, AZ

21h • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision from the Dental Practice Manager, this role oversees dental assistants, focusing on training, quality, safety, and infection control. The position ensures adherence to clinic-specific policies and is classified as FLSA Exempt. Essential functions may vary but include providing chair-side dental assistance, performing routine prophylaxis and fluoride treatments, operating dental x-ray equipment, processing radiographs, educating patients on oral health, and maintaining sterilization of instruments. Administrative duties involve providing full administrative supervision to dental assistants, acting as a liaison with dentists, preparing schedules, enforcing policies, evaluating staff performance, and managing departmental budgets. The role also involves evaluating and recommending changes to workflow processes to meet organizational goals and ensuring staff are adequately trained. All patient interactions must comply with HIPAA regulations, and continuous professional development is expected.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required
• Graduation from an accredited Dental Assistant program
• Prior work experience in a dental office
• Must be fully functional in all aspects of the job within 6 months of obtaining Dental Assistant (DA) Certification.
• Certified in CPR and First Aid or receive certification within six months of hire date.
• Three (3) years professional Clinical experience required
• 1 year work experience that includes lead or supervisory responsibilities required
• 1 year experience as a Dental Assistant II/Lead Assistant.
• Knowledge of the history, customs, culture, traditions and government of the Salt River Pima- Maricopa Indian Community.
• Knowledge of medical, public health and social service resources available to Community members.
• Skill in the use of practice management software application, calculator, copy machine and other essential office equipment.
• Skill with verbal and written communication and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, clients, families, community groups and health professionals.
• Skill managing various employee types in stressful situations.
• Ability to be committed to the observation of aseptic techniques in handling sterile products and equipment, and the maintenance of a stringently clean work area at all times.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with colleagues, subordinates, supervisors, health care professionals, Tribal officials, representatives or resource agencies, patients and Community members.
• Ability to work as a productive member of a team.
• Ability to deal with sensitive issues and maintain appropriate, professional and confidential relationships.
• Ability to incorporate cultural differences, health beliefs and learning styles.
• Ability to develop and implement program protocols as well as identify and address programmatic problems.
• New hires must present valid Basic Life Support certification (Healthcare Provider BLS for clinicians) prior to the first day of patient care.
• Ensures all patient information is kept confidential and complies with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations and SRPMIC HHS policies and procedures.
• Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check.

Nice To Haves

• EFDA Certification preferred.
• For enrolled Community members without a GED, must obtain a GED. Requires participation in the HR GED Program and successful completion of the Arizona state certified exam in order to continue employment with SRPMIC.
• Experience working with Native Americans strongly preferred.
• An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill.

Responsibilities

• Provides chair-side assistance duties for the Dentist in all phases or restoration, prosthodontic, surgical, endodontic and periodontal treatment.
• Assists with all routine, advanced and specialty procedures, including dental examinations, oral surgery and general dentistry.
• Works with varnishes, sealants, dental films and impression models.
• Provides compassionate care for all patient age groups, especially children, youth, and elders.
• Performs routine prophylaxis and topical fluoride treatment assigned by the Dentist.
• Operates dental x-ray equipment to take intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs.
• Processes and mounts radiographic films.
• Provides patient education and instruction in prevention of oral diseases and post-service and operative care.
• Maintains professional knowledge regarding new procedures and emerging issues in oral health.
• Cleans, packages and sterilizes all dental instruments, utilizing autoclave, and ultrasonic cleaner.
• Takes primary dental impressions for study model, pours stone and trims model.
• Provides full administrative supervision and oversees the day-to-day administration oversite of all dental assistants.
• Serves as a communication liaison with the Chief Dentist, staff Dentists, and dental assistants.
• In coordination with the Chief Dentist and Dental Manager, prepares shift schedules and coordinates time off.
• Maintains assigned division oversite by initiating, coordinating, and enforcing program, operational and personnel policies and procedures.
• Participates in problem-solving and troubleshooting activities involving the dental assistants and other intradepartmental and interdepartmental staff.
• Review goals and objectives for evaluation, evaluates performance of assigned department staff and conducts timely performance evaluations.
• Follows all departmental and Community policies and procedures.
• Maintains department direction with River People Health Center standards of operations.
• Works with Dental Manager to set and maintain the department’s budget for expenses and revenues.
• Evaluates processes and procedures within scope of the assigned division operations for quality workflow processes, recommends changes to meet the organizational goals.
• Ensures staff are qualified and trained with tools to support successful execution of their duties.
• All patient interactions will be conducted in accordance to HIPPA regulations to maintain patient confidence and protect confidential information.
• Maintain current and updated professional knowledge and proficiency of the scope of service of assigned division through continuing education, staff meetings, training and conferences, etc.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned to maintain and enhance departmental operation

Benefits

• Preference will be given to a qualified : Community Member Veteran, Community Member, Spouse of Community Member, qualified Native American, and then other qualified candidate.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED