Dental Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Help us continue toward our vision- A healthy mind, body, and spirit for generations of our American Indian Community. UIHS is a tribal health program serving the native population of Humboldt and Del Norte counties providing primary care and community outreach services.

We strive to bring members of the community together so they can not only be unified in ensuring the best care is provided to their families, but also help in preserving Native culture through education, community outreach, and medicine.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities in this role include but are not limited to the following : Other duties may be assigned.

Dental Assistant I

• Must be willing to learn more about the American Indian culture and attend at least one Cultural Presentation / Training per year.
• Performs all functions of a Dental Assistant (DA) under the Dental Board of California, Dental Practice Act, including :
• Seats and prepares clients pre and post treatment.
• Assists dentist in anesthetic administration.
• Responsible for sterilization and disinfection of instruments, treatment rooms and as assigned.
• Prepares and delivers dental materials.
• Takes and records medical and dental histories and vital signs of clients.
• Records and maintains client’s electronic health record and or hard copy records and dental encounters.
• Ships, receives, and coordinates laboratory casework for clients.
• Takes preliminary impressions for diagnostic and opposing study casts.
• Assists dentist and dental team in management of medical and dental emergencies.
• Assists in providing preventive dental education to clients and community groups as directed.
• Provides postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
• Travels to satellite facilities to complete dental tasks as needed.
• Actively cross-trains to assist dental office staff as required.
• Performs routine maintenance on equipment and determines when and what kind of maintenance is required.
• Adheres to accreditation and compliance standards / guidelines.
• Maintains a professional organized clean working environment by following organizational policies, guidelines, and safety standards.
• Ability to work under the general / direct supervision of a dentist in a team setting.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.
• Performs all duties in accordance with the UIHS Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles.

Dental Assistant II Able to complete all duties above and the following duties :

• Performs all functions of a Dental Assistant (DA) under the Dental Board of California, Dental Practice Act and includes all duties and responsibilities of a Dental Assistant I including :
• Provides preventive dental education to clients and community groups as directed.
• Performs dental x-rays.
• Performs coronal polish
• Attends organizational committee meetings and other meetings as assigned.
• Assists in development of section policy, procedures, and quality improvement activities within services sections as directed.
• Provides mentorship and training to Dental Assistant I.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.

Dental Assistant III Able to complete all duties above and the following duties :

• Performs all functions of a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) under the Dental Board of California, Dental Practice Act and includes all duties and responsibilities of a Dental Assistant I and II including :
• Provides mentorship and training to Dental Assistant I and II.
• Able to recommend changes to section policy, procedures, and quality improvement activities within service sections as directed.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE : Educational degrees must be from a US Department of Education accredited school.

Dental Assistant I :

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• Must complete within one (1) year from date of employment the following :
• A Dental Board of California approved course in the Dental Practice Act.
• A Dental Board of California approved 8-hour course in infection control.
• A course in basic life support offered by an instructor approved by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association and must maintain certification.

Dental Assistant II : Dental Assistant (DA) who has successfully met and demonstrated all Level I required education / work experience to qualify and be eligible for Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) examination and / or a graduate of a Dental Board of California approved dental assisting program and has successfully passed the Dental Board of California RDA exams within twelve (12) months of hire.

• Must possess a Dental Board of California Dental X-ray certificate.
• Must possess a Dental Board of California approved coronal polish course certificate.

Dental Assistant III : Above-mentioned and :

Must possess a current RDA license from the Dental Board of California.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS :

Dental Assistant I, II and III :

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to be covered by agency’s vehicle insurance and provide proof of valid private vehicle coverage.
• Must possess and maintain a valid American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SUMMARY

HEALTH INSURANCE

ELIGIBILITY : All active, full-time employees of UIHS who are US citizens or permanent resident aliens regularly working a minimum of 30 hours per week in the US.

EFFECTIVE : First of the month following 30 days of active employment.

NOTE : Below cost reflects full-time work status. Less than full-time, benefit cost is prorated.

• MEDICAL Employee only : $0 per month (Company paid)
• DENTAL Employee only : $0 per month (Company paid)
• VISION Employee only : $0 per month (Company paid)

LIFE INSURANCE

ELIGIBILITY : All active, full-time employees of UIHS who are US citizens or permanent resident aliens regularly working a minimum of 30 hours per week in the US.

EFFECTIVE : First of the month following 30 days of active employment.

AFLAC SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME PLANS

ELIGIBILITY : All active, full-time or part-time employees of UIHS who are US citizens or permanent resident aliens except employees with a work status of On Call / Per Diem.

EFFECTIVE : First of the month following 30 days of employment

403(B) RETIREMENT PLAN

ELIGIBILITY : All active employees of UIHS who are US citizens or permanent resident aliens (including employees with a work status of On Call / Per Diem)

EFFECTIVE : You may begin participating upon hire

• 100% Vested on Day One
• UIHS matches up to 4% of employee contribution after six months of employment

Applicants must be able to pass background check and drug screen (including THC)