Dental Assistant Job at Cherokee Nation in Nowata

Assists the Dentist in providing a wide range of dental procedures within the boundaries of competence, based on documented education, training, supervised experience, state and national professional credentials, and appropriate professional experience. Provides chair side services, educational information, cleaning and sterilizing equipment and areas, and clerical assistance.

Job Duties shall include providing health care services to individuals eligible for services in accordance with the self-governance compact and funding agreement between the Cherokee Nation and United States executed under the authority of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. Practices only within the boundaries of competence, based on documented education, training, supervised experience, state and national professional credentials, and appropriate professional experience.

Cleans and disinfects patient area before and after each patient according to infection control and any other applicable guidelines. Arranges dental instruments and materials in order to assist the dentist in providing uninterrupted treatment to patients. Cleans, disinfects, and sterilizes instruments, equipment, counter tops, and all other related items to maintain the cleanliness of the clinic.

Provides educational information to the patient regarding required treatment, current treatment, and post-treatment care. Cleans and polishes teeth; applies topical fluoride to assist in preventing cavities. Operates ultrasound sealer (Cavitron) and uses hand instruments to remove visible calculus within scope of practice.

Coronal Polishing Certified: Polishes coronal surfaces of teeth, or prepare teeth for band cementation or bonding of brackets utilizing a slow speed rotary hand piece and rubber cup or brush and applies topical fluoride and desensitizing agents as directed.

Sealant Certified: Places pit and fissure dental sealants on permanent and primary dentition as directed. Knows indication/contraindications for sealants. Assesses patient properly before, during, and after sealant placement.

Nitrous Oxide Certified: Assists Dentist or Dental Hygienist with the administration of Nitrous Oxide using various nitrous oxide machines. Assists with Patient status assessment. Introductions of nitrous oxide to the patient. Monitors the patient.

SHIFT SUPERVISION: Plans daily work distribution for assigned staff. Organizes work schedules to provide adequate support staff to assist scheduled Dentists. Provides training and supervises ongoing training for assigned staff.

Supervisory Responsibilities: May be a Lead position.

Qualifications

• EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: High school education; or general education degree (GED).
• Experience Requirement: No additional experience is required.
• CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Must obtain a Dental Assistant Permit from the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry within thirty (30) days of employment and maintain throughout employment.

Other Qualifications

• Employee must not and will not be under sanction by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG) or by the General Services Administration (GSA) or listed on the OIG's Cumulative Sanction Report, or the GSA's List of Excluded Providers, or listed on the OIG's List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).
• Must meet and maintain pre-employment and periodic background investigation and adjudication for child care.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and risk of radiation.