Lead Dental Assistant

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled 

POSITION: Lead Dental Assistant

SALARY: $30.88 hr - $37.62 hr DOE

REPORTS TO: Dental Director

SUMMARY:  The Lead Dental Assistance performs as a senior clinical team member, combining expert patient care which includes but is not limited to: taking X-rays, sterilizing instruments, and assisting in procedures with administrative oversight, mentoring staff, managing schedules, and ordering inventory. Performs both basic and advanced chairside dental assisting under the direction of a dentist to support efficient dental team operations and enhance delivery of culturally appropriate dental services to the communities served. The Lead Dental Assistant will perform their job duties in a professional manner while assuring that all the needs of the patients are met with a pleasant demeanor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides direct supervision of the Dental Assistant team which includes but is not limited to: scheduling, evaluations, training, disciplinary actions, employee recognition, hiring, etc.
• Responsible for ensuring the Dental Assistant team successfully supports and contributes to the goals and objectives of the Dental department, clinic, and Colville Tribal Health Care Authority.
• Provide chairside assistance which includes but is not limited to anticipating the Dentist’s needs, passing instruments, managing suction/irrigation, seating/dismissing patients.
• Maintain infection control by disinfecting operatories, sterilizing instruments, cleaning and maintaining dental equipment/areas.
• Expose, process, mount intra- and extra-oral X-rays while performing radiographs.
• Maintain and restock inventory.
• Pour and trim models, create custom trays, baseplates, and wax rims.
• Expanded functions (preventative, restorative, orthodontic/periodontal procedures).
• Instructs on oral hygiene, disease prevention, nutrition, and post-op care.
• Maintain patient records/EHR, assist with new staff training, and participate in continuing education.
• Comply with PPE and infection control standards, participate in donning/doffing training.
• Complies with applicable legislation, funding and organizational requirements, policies and procedures.
• Ensure confidential handling of sensitive team member information in line with data protection policies and laws.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• High school diploma or GED
• Expanded Functions Dental Assistant certification—state-level or IHS-recognized course completion.
• State dental assistant registration or permit as applicable.
• Two (2) years experience as a basic Dental Assistant and the ability to perform four-handed dentistry.
• One (1) year of experience in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (AHA) within 90 days of hire and maintained throughout employment.
• HIPAA Certificate within initial 90 days of employment.
• Ability to understand, speak, communicate and read the English language.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to lead teams and provide clear and concise directions and feedback professionally.
• Strong attention to detail and good organizational skills.
• Knowledge of cleaning chemicals, sterilization processes, and equipment.
• Physical ability to perform demanding tasks.
• Commitment to safety and following health guidelines. 
• Ability to communicate professionally in written, verbal, and non-verbal format while portraying a friendly tone, word choice, and body language.
• Ability to take initiative and be proactive in the duties of the position in order to meet mandated deadlines and to comply with goals and objectives.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time.
• Manual and finger dexterity to complete duties.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, twist, and reach.
• Ability to push and pull frequently.
• Sufficient visual acuity to write, recognize printed materials, computer screen, and notice non-verbal behavior.
• Speech and hearing ability to project voice to small and large audiences, carry on telephone conversations, hear and grasp verbal communications and equipment prompts.
• Requires strict adherence to PPE, infection control, sterilization, and safety protocols.
• Regular use of sterilizers, radiographic equipment, dental instruments.
• May involve exposure to bodily fluids, aerosols, chemicals—must maintain safety and cleanliness.
• Potential for travel between tribal service units depending on need

Note: Pursuant to Tribal Policy, if this position is safety sensitive it is subject to pre-employment drug testing. In addition, this position is subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing.

TRIBAL MEMBER AND INDIAN PREFERENCE WILL APPLY; PREFERENCE WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERANS WHO ARE MINIMALLY QUALIFIED.

If required of this position, you must possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license and be eligible for the Tribes’ Vehicle Insurance.  In addition, this position may be subject to pre-employment background clearances.  If applicable, these clearances must be maintained throughout employment.

INFORMATION: Jaleen Flowers, HR Generalist. Colville Tribes Health Care Authority, Human Resources Office, P.O. Box 150, Nespelem, WA 99155, (509) 634-2436 Jaleen.flowers.ohc@colvilletribes.com