Job Description

Level: Entry
Job Location: Main Campus - Wasilla, AK 99654
Position Type: Part Time
Salary Range: $18.00 - $20.00 Hourly

Travel Percentage: None
Job Shift: Day
Job Category: Other

Position Summary:
Under the general supervision of the Dentist, the dental assistant supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment room, patient, instruments, and materials; passing instruments and materials; performing procedures in compliance with the dental practice act.
Essential Functions:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Level I
- This position requires compliance with MSHS’ compliance standards, including the Code of Conduct, Compliance Program, and policies and procedures. Such compliance will be an element considered as part of the regular performance evaluation.
- Prepares treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
- Prepares patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and draping patient. Helps patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment.
- Takes patient's medical history, blood pressure and pulse.
- Takes and develops dental radiographs and use of radiograph software (x-rays).
- Prepares and sterilizes instruments and equipment. Delivers instruments to treatment area; positions instruments for dentist's access; suctioning; passing instruments.
- Provides materials by selecting, mixing, and placing materials on instruments and in the patient's mouth.
- Takes impressions of patients' teeth for study casts (models of teeth).
- Pours, trims, and polishes study casts.
- Maintains patient appearance and ability to masticate by fabricating temporary restorations; cleaning and polishing removable appliances.
- Gives instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures, such as the placement of a restoration (filling).
- Teaches patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health;
- (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling).
- Provides information to patients by answering questions and requests within scope of practice.
- Documents dental care services by charting in patient records.
- Communicates with patients; schedules appointment; makes callbacks and recalls as needed; answers the telephone.
- Coordinates with patients to best utilize insurance coverage to complete treatment plan.
- Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply, and emergency telephone directory.
- Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
- Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations. Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
- Serves as back up for monthly spore testing.
- Conserves dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
- Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
Employment Practices
MSHS is an Equal Opportunity institution and does not discriminate against any person in employment or in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs and benefits on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, ability to speak English, disability, sex, age, or marital status.

QualificationsPosition Requirements
Minimum Education and Experience
- Graduation from an accredited dental assistant program preferred. Certification as a dental assistant preferred.
- One year of clinical experience.
- Experience using a variety of computer programs including, but not limited to Microsoft Office products and electronic health records.
- Clear background check;
- Current tuberculosis screening test result;
- First Aid, CPR  must be obtained when offered through the agency