Dental Assistant-PRN 20-40 hours/week

This PRN position will work 20-40 hours a week beginning in mid-May through August. After August, the hours will be as-needed.

Commitment to Citizen Service

Service encompasses all aspects of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indian’s governmental operations. Every employee shares the responsibility to provide exemplary service, dignity, and respect to all Tribal Citizens, the Tribal Council, staff members and community members. To this end, all employees have an obligation to identify and report any service problems, issues, or concerns and through designated channels, initiate, recommend, and actively participate in solutions.

Position Summary: 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:

• Complete procedures as listed in compliance with the Michigan Dental Practice act.
• Prepare treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
• Prepare patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and draping patient.
• Provide information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests.
• Provide instrumentation by sterilizing and delivering instruments to treatment area; positioning instruments for dentist's access; suctioning; passing instruments.
• Provide needed materials and supplies as directed by the supervising dentist.
• Provide diagnostic information by exposing and developing radiographic studies; pouring, trimming, and polishing study casts.
• Help dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining C.P.R. certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply, and emergency telephone directory.
• Educate patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control, and postoperative instructions.
• Document dental care services by charting in patient records as directed by supervising dentist.
• Maintain patient confidence by keeping information confidential.
• Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Protect patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Ensure operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques.
• Maintain dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
• Conserve dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Fill in at the front desk, when necessary.
• Perform other related functions as assigned.

Equipment:

• Standard office equipment
• Systems used: MS Office Applications, Internet, and Electronic Dental Record

Position Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Dental Assistant with x-ray certification in the State of Michigan. Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) in State of Michigan preferred.
• Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills, and the ability to speak effectively and respond to questions.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience preferred.

Indian Preference

• Pokagon Band Preference Code applies.

Physical Requirements:

• Work is generally sedentary in nature and will frequently require sitting, however standing and walking will occasionally be necessary.
• Frequently required to use hands and fingers to operate equipment.
• Frequently required to talk and hear.

Work environment:

• Work in well-lighted, heated, air-conditioned building.
• May be exposed to blood, body tissue and fluids as well as hazardous substances/ chemicals.
• Exposure to noise of agitated patients, significant work pace/pressure.
• Local travel is necessary, so the ability to travel is required.

Competencies:

• Client Focus
• Continuous Learning
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Exemplifying Integrity
• Planning and Organizing