Dental Assistant Trainee

SEARHC Overview

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium serving the health interests of Southeast Alaska residents. We prioritize the professional advancement of our employees and offer a range of benefits including retirement, paid time off, parental leave, health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage.

Shift Details

Shift: 4/10s

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities

• Greets, seats, and prepares patients in appropriate treatment operatory
• Prepares operatory in advance of appointment including instruments, radiographs, hand pieces, charts, and supplies
• Assists at chair-side using 4-handed techniques including tissue retraction, operatory air/water syringe, and high-speed evacuation, passing instruments, preparing dental materials, maintaining dry field, etc.
• Verbally relays post-treatment instructions to patients
• Records examination results using proper charting protocol; completes progress notes when appropriate
• Performs basic laboratory procedures including custom acrylic trays fabrication, occlusal guard fabrication, pouring and trimming of diagnostic casts
• Cleans, prepares, and maintains operatories, lab, central sterilization, and tray setup area
• Performs routine basic maintenance of dental equipment such as hand pieces, autoclave, automatic x-ray developer, high-speed evacuation, etc.
• Takes impressions and bite registrations
• Places and removes orthodontic ligatures, bands, separators, and appliances as directed by the treating dentist
• Accompanies the dentist on village field trips throughout the year
• Participates in community prevention activities such as school screenings, Headstart, Oral Health Programs, Health Fairs, etc.
• In the absence of the receptionist, answers the telephone, directs calls, takes messages, manages appointment book, and maintains patient flow
• Performs other duties as assigned

Additional Details

• Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required:
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• CPR certificate preferred
• BLS required within 90 days of start
• Clinical Competency required within 3 months of hire and every 3 years
• High Risk Competency required within 3 months of hire and every year
• Experience Required: None
• Knowledge and Skills:
• Chair Side Dental Assisting
• Dental Radiology
• Infection Control
• Strong oral & written communication skills
• Advanced levels of hand & eye coordination skills
• Organizational skills
• Ability to communicate with patients and staff
• Follow written and verbal instructions
• Treat patients and staff with respect