Dental Assistant Trainee – FT/Regular

Job Title:                             Dental Assistant Trainee

Department:                     Dental

Reports To:                        Dental Manager

FLSA Status:                     Non-exempt

Salary:                                $17.17 - $23.60/hour

Approved by:                   Chief Executive Officer

Approved Date:              May 2022

GOALS FOR THE POSITION:  On the job training no licensing required; KMC Dental Clinic will provide training and encourage advancement. The candidate will learn all aspects of the Dental Assistant Position. Through training one will be able to gain x-ray certification, take the RDA exam for licensure, perform coronal polishing, and place sealants.

SUMMARY:  Dental Assistants and Registered Dental Assistants are integrated and essential parts of the treatment experience, helping patients feel welcome and comfortable, gathering important historical and current health information, and providing chairside assistance within their scopes of practice. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepares patients for procedures by dentist and assists chairside.
• Assists dentist with as many procedures as adequately trained to do, including but not limited to: cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns, extractions, and dentures.
• Takes, develops and mounts X-rays if board-approved to do so.
• Prepares operatories between patient visits by cleaning and stocking in accordance with KMC Dental Clinic, Jacco and OSHA compliance guidelines.
• Files patient dental information into chart accurately.
• Performs sterilization of all instruments. Operate and clean sterilization equipment and document sterilization procedures.
• Keeps operatories, hallways, and other areas clean.
• Provides patient education on proper dental care.
• Adherence to KMC Medical Centers attendance policy.
• Other duties and responsibilities as designated by supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

JOB SPECIFIC SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Demonstrate ability to perform processes in the delivery of care to specific age groups.
• Demonstrate ability to perform duties of Dental Assistant as identified above.
• Demonstrate ability to communicate between patient and the primary provider.
• Demonstrate ability to use standard computer equipment
• Demonstrate ability to lift and carry boxes weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Demonstrate ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time.
• Demonstrate ability to use keyboard and view computer screens for extended periods of time.

BASIC REQUIRED ABILITY: PUBLIC RELATIONS/ADVANCED INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:  Addresses clients by name; smiles when talking to clients, physicians, peers, and families; answers the telephone courteously and promptly; identifies self and department when answering the telephone using pleasant voice tone/verbiage; possess excellent listening skills; interacts with clients and peers.

AGE-SPECIFIC COMPETENCE: Must demonstrate the knowledge & skills necessary to: 1) provide care appropriate to any age-related needs of the patients;  2) of the principles of growth and development appropriate; 3) to assess and interpret data about the patient's status in order to identify each patient's needs & provide the appropriate care needed by KMC's Life Stage Patient Groups.  Life Stage Patient Groups are defined as infants, toddlers, preschool children, school-age children, adolescents, young adults, middle-aged adults, and late-stage older adults.

COOPERATION:  Must be a self-starter; seeks solutions; accepts constructive criticism; willing to adjust to changes and communicate with providers and peers.

Professionalism: Shows pride in personal appearance and grooming; displays a positive attitude about work; respects the confidentiality of clients; and is congenial with the public and peers.

INITIATIVE:  Willing to participate in continuing education programs; asks questions; contributes during staff meetings; serves on K'ima:w Medical Center committees as appointed; demonstrates a desire for self-improvement.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out written or oral instructions. 

CONFIDENTIALITY: Employees must be aware of and adhere to Ki'ma:w Medical Center's Confidentiality Policy and HIPPA regulations at all times.              

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:  Employee is subject to baseline and random drug testing per the Hoopa Tribal Drug & Alcohol Fit for Duty Policy.  An employee will serve a 90-day introductory period.  An employee is subject to introductory and semiannual performance evaluations.  Preference will be given to qualified Indian applicants pursuant to the Tribe's TERO Ordinance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, walk, stand; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:  High school diploma or GED.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Current CPR Certificate or within six months.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to bloodborne pathogens, airborne fomites, infections, and other contagious diseases.  The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and the risk of radiation.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

ANNUAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:  At a minimum Employee is required to be certified for the following training; 1) Health Stream courses, 2) CPR every two years and 3) maintain CEU's.