OVERVIEW: The Dental Assistant provides chairside assistance to dentists and dental hygienists, performs various administrative and clinical tasks, and helps ensure a smooth and efficient operation of the dental clinic. This position requires a strong commitment to providing culturally sensitive and high-quality dental care to Native American patients, understanding and respecting tribal traditions and values. **Potential on the job training for motivated candidates** ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB: Chairside Assisting: Seat patient, adjust chair, triage and prepare patient for dentist. Set up treatment room with the necessary equipment and supplies for each procedure. Break down, and clean rooms in a timely manner for the next patient. Perform four handed dentistry and full scope of chairside assisting. Help patients feel at ease. Collect and record patient health histories. Take and record blood pressure in the electronic record. Chart information into the electronic dental record (includes exams for dentist and periodontal chart for dental hygienist). Take dental x-rays and intraoral photos. Organize images properly in the dental record. Patient management during dental procedures. Prepare dental materials for use by providers (cements, restorative materials, impression materials, etc.). Polish teeth to remove stains and soft deposits. Provide child prophylaxis and apply topical fluoride treatments. Take impressions and bite registrations. Apply pit and fissure sealants as prescribed by dental provider. Place and remove periodontal dressings. Remove surgical sutures. Fabricate and cement temporary crowns. Place topical medications, including fluoride varnish and silver diamine fluoride, under the direct supervision of the attending dental provider. Assistants trained in Expanded Functions will be able to perform respective duties in periodontal or restorative under direct supervision of the attending dental provider. Participate in team response to medical emergencies. Patient Care and Education: Ensure patient schedules follow-up appointments as needed. Case management: follow-up with patients after surgeries, referrals, and to make sure treatment plan is understood. Provide personalized instructions for oral hygiene and post-operative care. Plan, assemble, and participate with dental table/booth at health fairs. Clinic Operations and Maintenance: Inventory control and management (place orders, maintain stock, etc.). Follow the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA and CDC guidelines. Handle instrument cleaning, sterilization/disinfection, re-circulation, and organization. Perform dental treatment room disinfection. Coordinate delivery and pick-up for lab cases. Pour impressions to make stone and plaster models. Trim models, use a lathe, and use other lab equipment. Fabricate mouth guards, temporary crowns, custom impression trays, and bleaching trays. Work well in a team setting: willing to help others, positive attitude, and receptive to directions. Cultural Competency: Demonstrate a deep understanding and respect for Native American cultures, traditions, and health beliefs. Communicate effectively and respectfully with patients from diverse tribal backgrounds. Uphold the mission and values of the Lower Elwha Dental Clinic. Administrative Tasks: Create, update, and maintain electronic dental record. Help the front desk when needed for scheduling, patient check-in, and insurance verification. Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations Other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High School diploma or GED Must be willing to attend trainings pertinent to position Current Washington State driver license and insurable under State of Washington Ability to operate dental equipment. Ability to follow department and Tribal policies and procedures. Ability to follow instructions and adhere to prescribed routines and practices. Willing to complete dental assisting curriculum (if not already credentialed) PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of dental routines, terms, instruments, materials, and procedures. Knowledge of techniques related to dental x-ray, charting, sterile techniques, and disinfection. Knowledge of dental record keeping and lab techniques Organized, clean, reliable, kind, and flexible. Knowledge of HIPAA and WISHA standards. BLS/CPR certified 2+ years dental assisting experience or CDA credential PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to stand for long periods of time; bend, kneel, stoop, reaching with arms Must be able to be in awkward positions for periods of time while assisting Able to lift 30+ pounds OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: Candidate must be flexible and able to cope with change. Candidate must have self-motivation in this key position. Must be able to recognize and complete tasks without direct supervision. Must abide by the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe personnel policies and procedures and the Drug and Alcohol policy which could include pre-employment drug testing. As with all positions of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe this position is Indian Preference in hiring, in Accordance with P.L. 93-638.