JOB SUMMARY: We are seeking a dependable and compassionate Dental Assistant to join our team at the Lummi Nation Health Center. This position supports dentists, dental therapists and hygienists in delivering high-quality patient care, including preparing operatories, sterilizing instruments, assisting during procedures, taking x-rays, and maintaining accurate patient records. The ideal candidate is a team player with strong communication skills, a commitment to patient comfort, and willingness to contribute to a positive and respectful clinical environment.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE OF PRACTICE: Includes, but is not limited to, the following duties within scope of training and regulation.
1. Take health histories and record blood pressure and vital signs
2. Performs chairside assisting duties which encompass all routine dental procedures in general dentistry
3. Properly records all treatment rendered to patients in Electronic Dental Records (EDR)
4. Prepares patient and operatory for proper dental procedure including set up
5. Is responsible for cleaning, packaging, and sterilizing all dental instruments for proper storage when not in use. Maintains the dental clinic in a clean and orderly manner and keeps operatories supplied
6. Responsible for taking digital radiographs that can be diagnosed by the dental provider
7. Provides coronal or toothbrush polish, sealants, and topical fluoride treatment as assigned by dentist
8. Performs prophylaxis using a cavitron or piezo per Indian Health Service’s dental assistant’s expanded functions course, if applicable
9. Place Silver Diamine Fluoride as directed by the dentist
10. Place periodontal packs and remove periodontal packs or sutures, including giving preoperative and postoperative instructions
11. Place a temporary restoration after diagnosis and examination by the dentist
12. Fabricate, place, and remove temporary crowns or bridges and remove excess cement from permanent or temporary restorations
13. Assist in the administration of inhalation minimal sedation (nitrous oxide) analgesia or sedation
14. Perform routine dental laboratory procedures, including pouring and trimming models, constructing custom trays and labeling models and lab trays. Can take alginate impressions, bite registration for study models and shade selection for esthetics
15. Performs delegated administrative duties as directed by the dental director and dental clinic manager, such as but not limited to; reception duties, producing reports, collaborating on creating/maintaining manuals
16. Provides educational/outreach programs throughout the Lummi Community as requested, i.e.: TPCDC, LNS, HS/EHS, Day Care, NWIC, Little Bear within Lummi Reservation boundaries
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Minimum Qualifications in education and work experience)
High School Graduate diploma or GED, required
Dental Assistant Program Certificate, required
Current license with the State of Washington as a dental assistant, may obtain upon hire
Current CPR card, may obtain upon hire
Lummi/Native American/Veteran preference policy applies
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS: (List of knowledge, abilities and skills)
Must acquire HIPAA training, and comply with confidentiality regulations, willing to train within 90 days of hire.
Knowledge of all instruments normally used in routine dental procedures for restorative, prosthodontic, oral surgical, endodontic, and periodontal treatment.
Be efficient at chairside techniques in all of above fields
Knowledge of dental anatomy and ability to properly capture diagnostic radiographs
Knowledge and skill in adjusting and operating dental radiographic equipment
Physical Demands - requires long periods of standing, walking, sitting, and bending
Ability to adhere to all professional guidelines, departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures set down in LNHC clinic by-laws
Ability to interact and communicate with patients in a respectful and compassionate manner.
Ability to work respectfully with co-workers and other clinic staff
Ability to use protective equipment for possible biohazard exposure
Nature of job requires risk of exposure to Hepatitis B, C and HIV on a routine basis. Work involves exposure to communicable diseases, radiation, flying debris, nitrous oxide gas, toxic fumes from dental laboratory materials, violet and blue light emissions from dental light curing units, and exposure to aerosol emissions from the oral cavity
REQUIREMENTS:
Must pass pre-employment and random drug and alcohol test to be eligible for and maintain employment, as required by the LIBC Drug & Alcohol Free Workplace Policy.
This position requires regular contact with or control over Indian children and is therefore subject to successful and extensive criminal background check, CAMIS background check.
TO APPLY:
To obtain a Lummi Indian Business Council (LIBC) application go to: https://www.lummi-nsn.gov/widgets/JobsNow.php or request by e-mail. For more information contact the HR front desk (360) 312-2023. Submit LIBC application, cover letter, resume & reference letters no later than 4:30 p.m. on the closing date listed above. If listing degrees or certifications include copies. Mailing Address: 2665 Kwina Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Human Resource Fax number: 360-380-6991.
