TOIYABE INDIAN HEALTH PROJECT
OFFICIAL POSITION DESCRIPTION
DENTAL ASSISTANT
Program: Dental Salary: $36,720 – 49,458
Supervisor: Office or Clinic Manager Salary Range: 4
FLSA Status: Exempt Non-Exempt Position Type: Regular Full-Time
TIHP Board Approved: 2/04/2022
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Provides dental support services to the dental providers in the course of providing dental treatment to patients.
Responsible for providing the patient with high quality care by performing a variety of office, laboratory, and patient care duties. This usually entails helping the dentist handle patients, instruments, and supplies during the treatment of the teeth, mouth, and gums.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare the patient and chairside-assist the dentist (i.e., passing instruments, evaluation, mixing necessary materials, etc.).
- Maintain clean and orderly operatories and laboratory.
- Clean and set up instrument trays for each patient, including daily maintenance of dental equipment.
- Take x-rays after becoming certified. No longer develop x-rays because it’s all digital.
- Assist with maintaining the inventory of supplies.
- Take impressions and pour models up.
- Proper instrument sterilization techniques (cold or autoclave). Cold sterilization technique is discouraged by the CDC and ADA and therefore, TIHP does not engage in this technique.
- Take necessary entries in patient’s chart.
- Backup Dental Receptionist duties and/or assist Dental Hygienist when needed.
- All other job-related duties as assigned.
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REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Knowledge and familiarity with general dental assistant techniques. Willingness to continue education and courses to become a Registered Dental Assistant.
- California State Board of Dental Examiners X-Ray Safety Certificate or eligible for such certification on earliest testing date following date of hire.
- Possess excellent customer service, time management and organization skills.
- Must be sensitive and possess an awareness and keen appreciation of Native American traditions, customs, and socioeconomic needs of the Indian community.
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certified or obtain within three months of hire.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:
- Prior experience
- Bi-Lingual/Spanish Speaking
ALL TIHP EMPLOYEES ARE EXPECTED TO:
- Provide the highest possible level of service to clients.
- Promote teamwork and cooperative effort among employees.
- Abide by all immunization and infection control policies.
- Maintain safe practices.
- Abide by the current and future TIHP Policies and Procedures, as they may from time to time be updated.
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. Sitting / Mobility: Approximately 30% of time is spent working at a desk. Balance of time (approximately 70%) is spent moving around work areas. Communication: Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, patients and members of outside agencies, in person, by telephone, and by email. Vision: Ability to view x-ray, dental records, effectively use a computer screen and interpret printed materials, memos, and other appropriate paperwork. Lifting / Carrying: Ability to occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing no more than 25 pounds. Stooping / Kneeling: Ability to access files/stock supplies in low cabinets and shelves. Reaching / Handling: Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, input information into computer systems and retrieve and work with appropriate paperwork, equipment, and supplies.
Use of standard dental instruments and equipment, including dental x-ray, office equipment, computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and fax. Work is performed in a dental office/clinic environment; continuous contact with other staff and the public.
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Toiyabe Indian Health Project Inc. – Position Description
Dental Assistant
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
INDIAN PREFERENCE: Preference may be given to qualified Native American Indians according to the
Indian Preference Hiring Act, CFR 25 USC 472. Other than Toiyabe Indian Health Project, Inc. adheres to all provisions of the Equal Employment Opportunities Act.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: TIHP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national original, sex, religious preference, age, handicap, marital status, political preference, genetics or membership or non- membership in any employee organization, except as allowed by Federal and/or Tribal Law.
NOTICE OF DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE ACT REQUIREMENT: TIHP is committed to maintaining a drug free and alcohol free workplace. TIHP believes that a healthy, productive workforce free from the effects of drugs is very important to all employees and patients. Substance abuse is incompatible with the health, safety, efficiency and success of TIHP.
HIPAA Health Insurance Portability and Accountability: This act was enacted to deal with these main areas with regard to patient information. Uses and Disclosures for Treatment, Payment, and Health Care
Operations (45 CFR 164.506) are also covered under this act. HIPAA
- Security of Private Health Information
- Standards of Electronic Transactions
- Privacy of individually identifiable health information
- Ready access to treatment and efficient payment for health care, both of which require use and disclosure of protected health information, are essential to the effective operation of the health care system. In addition, certain health care operations—such as administrative, financial, legal, and quality improvement activities—conducted by or for health care providers and health plans, are essential to support treatment and payment.
DRIVING RECORD: Employees must have a valid Driver License and be insurable under THIP’s vehicle insurance program.
BACKGROUND CHECKS: All employees must be able to pass a background check per Toiyabe's Background
Check Policy.
Toiyabe Indian Health Project is an At-Will Employer. Either the employee or TIHP can terminate the employment at will, without advance notice, at any time, with or without cause.
EMPLOYEE RECEIPT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I have received a copy of this approved position description. The job duties, elements, responsibilities, skills, functions, experience, educational factors and the requirements and conditions listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that an employee may be required to perform. The Board of
Directors reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and to require employees to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of its business, competitive considerations, or work environment change. I have discussed any questions I may have about this position description prior to signing this form.
Employee Signature: Date:
Supervisor Signature: Date:
HR Representative Signature: Date:
This acknowledgment will be placed in the employee’s personnel file and copy given to employee.
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Toiyabe Indian Health Project Inc. – Position Description
Dental Assistant
Job Type: Temporary
Pay: $36,720.00 - $49,458.00 per year
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person