Dental Assistant I, II, III, or IV - Closing Date: 7/7/26

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

• Assists the dentist(s) chair side during procedures.
  • Passes instruments, medications, and materials.
  • Anticipates the dentist’s needs at each stage of the treatment procedure.
  • Retracts tissue, tongue and cheek, keeps area of operation clear, and prevents build-up of saliva and oral debris in patient’s mouth by the use of suction tip.
  • Completes tasks as assigned and directed by the dentist in a responsible and timely manner.
• Assists patients in completing medical history statements, reviews patient medical history, signs legal documents (i.e., chart notes and consent forms).
• Records examination and treatment information as relayed by the dentist.
• Applies rubber dams and places cotton rolls to isolated operative sites.
• Takes preliminary impressions for study models and modifies impressions trays as needed.
• Pours and trims models from impressions.
• Makes custom impression trays.
• Remains compliant with infection control protocol.
• Cleans, sharpens, sterilizes, and prepares all dental instruments.
• Orders supplies, maintains inventory, and handles equipment problems as needed.
• Cleans and maintains the dental equipment as needed on a regular basis.
• Instructs patient/parents in preventive dental care by demonstrating brushing and flossing techniques and the use of disclosing tablets.
• Explains the common causes of decay and its relationship to general diet.
• Ensures that the PTN Dental Clinic is compliant with Nebraska radiation regulations and appropriate logs are being maintained.
• Performs receptionist duties related to scheduling dental appointments, receiving patients, answering telephone and properly documenting the dental visit for proper billing etc.
• Takes radiographic images as directed by the dentist.
• Operates, maintains, and adjusts dental X-ray equipment and materials.
• Positions patient to achieve proper angles for dental radiographs, Exposes intra- and extra-oral radiographs.
• Performs coronal polishing.
• Affords assistance to hygienists with recording probe depths, taking radiographs, polishing and seating patients as a routine part of the clinical day.

Relationships and Authority

• This position has no supervisory authority.
• The Supervisory Dentist has supervisory authority over this position in relation to personnel, clinical and departmental issues.
• When assisting chair side, the doctor working directly with the dental assistant will have supervisory oversight at that time.

Evaluation

• The evaluation of work performance will be ongoing and will be carried out by the Supervisory Dentist with input from other providers in the dental clinic.
• It will include the specific duties and responsibilities of this position description plus employee attitude and general working behavior.

Working Environment and Physical Demands

• Physical requirements include carrying/lifting up to 5 pounds, frequently; up to 10 pounds, regularly; and up to 25 pounds, occasionally.
• Visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to drive an automobile and operate computer keyboard and basic office equipment.
• Subject to carrying, lifting, twisting and reaching to perform essential job functions.

Qualifications

• Minimum: Tier I - Unlicensed Dental Assistant (under five years of clinical experience)
  • Unlicensed Dental Assistant (under five years of clinical experience)
  • Of legal age, with high school diploma or GED.
  • Two years of general dentistry chairside experience within last five years or had completed an externship with the Ponca Dental Clinic.
  • The ability to carry out the assigned duties of this position independently or with minimal supervision.
  • Computer skills or willingness to learn the computer programs of the dental clinic.
  • X-ray certification.
  • Knowledge of the dental assisting state statues and codes.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Successfully pass drug and alcohol testing, education, character, and criminal background checks.
  • CPR certification within three months of hire.
  • Able and willing to travel.
• Tier II – Unlicensed Dental Assistant
  • All Tier I qualifications listed above.
  • Five years of experience as a Dental Assistant.
• Tier III - Licensed Dental Assistant
  • All Tier II qualifications listed above.
  • Passed the certification exam for dental assistants (CDA) offered by the Dental Assisting National Board.
  • Or Dental Assistant Certificate from an accredited dental assisting program or school.
  • Earned 1,500 hours of experience as a dental assistant within the past 5 years and Applied for and was granted a Nebraska license to practice as a Dental Assistant.
  • Completed all of the following State of NE approved courses or achieve reciprocity:
    • Dental Impressions for Fixed Prosthodontics
    • Dental impressions and Minor Adjustment for Removable Prostheses
    • Cement Prefabricated Fixed Prostheses on Primary Teeth
    • Monitoring and Administration of Nitrous Oxide
    • Dental Impressions for Fixed Prosthodontics
    • Dental impressions and Minor Adjustment for Removable Prostheses
    • Cement Prefabricated Fixed Prostheses on Primary Teeth
    • Monitoring and Administration of Nitrous Oxide
• Tier IV - Expanded Function Restorative Level 1 Permit
  • In addition to licensed dental assistant above.
  • Completed all of the following State of NE approved courses or achieve reciprocity:
    • Dental Impressions for Fixed Prosthodontics
    • Dental impressions and Minor Adjustment for Removable Prostheses
    • Cement Prefabricated Fixed Prostheses on Primary Teeth
    • Monitoring and Administration of Nitrous Oxide
    • Dental Impressions for Fixed Prosthodontics
    • Dental impressions and Minor Adjustment for Removable Prostheses
    • Cement Prefabricated Fixed Prostheses on Primary Teeth
    • Monitoring and Administration of Nitrous Oxide
• Tier IV - Expanded Function Restorative Level 2 Permit
  • In addition to expanded function restorative level 1 permit above.
  • Completed all of the following State of NE approved courses or achieve reciprocity:
    • Dental Impressions for Fixed Prosthodontics
    • Dental impressions and Minor Adjustment for Removable Prostheses
    • Cement Prefabricated Fixed Prostheses on Primary Teeth
    • Monitoring and Administration of Nitrous Oxide
    • Dental Impressions for Fixed Prosthodontics
    • Dental impressions and Minor Adjustment for Removable Prostheses
    • Cement Prefabricated Fixed Prostheses on Primary Teeth
    • Monitoring and Administration of Nitrous Oxide

Preferred

• Dental Assistant Certificate from an accredited college.
• Valid driver’s license and be insurable.
• One year experience working with Native Americans or Native American organizations.
• Experience using Dentrix office management software and MiPACs imaging software.
• Experience with digital scanners.
• Coronal polishing certification.

Tribal Council Approval

• Date: 06/08/2026
• PHS Category: Designation: Specify:
• Risk Exposure Level: Low/Moderate/High
• High
• Annual Credentialing: Yes/No
• Yes
• IT Privilege: Aprima/Dentrix/ScriptPro/Other
• Dentrix