| Program: | Fallon Tribal Health Center | Salary Grade: | GS – 13 | |
| Supervisor: | Dentist | Salary Range: | $20.56-$24.55 | |
| FLSA Status: | Non-Exempt | Position Type: | Full Time |
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The incumbent performs a wide variety of advanced duties to facilitate clinic functions in general dentistry, including chair-side assistance in all phases of restorative, prosthodontics, surgical endodontic and periodontics treatment; performs prophylaxis and range of reversible intro-oral procedures under the direction of the dentist; and provides assistance in clinic management, e.g. appointment control, supply inventory, etc.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties, and assist the dentist chair-side during examination and treatment of patients.
- Make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, prepare them for treatment, and obtain their dental records.
- Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare instruments for dental procedures, instruct patients on pre- and post-operative procedures and provide oral health education.
- Prepare materials for impressions and restorations, take dental x-rays, and process x-ray film as directed by a dentist.
- Assist with office duties, schedule and confirm appointments, receive patients, keep treatment records, monitor daily supplies for restocking.
- Reviews patient’s medical history, medications and proper patient identifiers.
- Has operatory set up and ready for procedure when patient arrives.
- Assists the dentist during a variety of operative treatment procedures, prepares instruments and materials for the dentist and keep patients’ mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices.
- Helps patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment
- Helps provide direct patient care in all dental services, including restorative, orthodontics, pediatric, endodontic, periodontics, prosthodontics and oral surgery.
- Performs blood pressure test as directed by the provider.
- Exposes and develops dental radiographs (x-rays)
- Places sealants as directed by the provider
- Places and removes rubber dam as directed by provider
- Removes sutures as directed by the provider
- Follows infection control protocol by preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment.
- Makes impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts (models of teeth). Pouring, separating and trimming model. Proper identification for model.
- Other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Must have a High School diploma or equivalent.
- Must have Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certificate or be able to obtain certification within one (1) year.
- Must have at least two (2) years prior experience as a Dental Assistant.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
(To perform this job, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Requirements, below, are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions)
- Be able to have and maintain CPR certification within six (6) months.
- Knowledge of dental anatomy, related oral anatomy, the technical methods and practices of dentistry, the working characteristics of dental instruments and materials sufficient to perform a variety of intra-oral procedures including restoration of teeth prepared by the dentist.
- Knowledge of and ability to recognize common dental disorders and conditions such as tooth decay and inflamed tissue sufficient to perform intra-oral procedures that treat these conditions as directed by the dentist.
- The incumbent must be tactful and amiable to contacts with employees, patients and other members of the public such as school personnel; must be able to follow specific instructions, written or oral, given by the dentist or hygienist; and must have knowledge of all dental procedures, common to general practice and the specific instruments and order of their use in carrying out these procedures.
- Must be knowledgeable of the HIPAA law and the Privacy Act and be able to maintain confidentiality of records.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in an environmentally controlled dental and laboratory environment with occasional high pressure or emergent situations. Frequent exposure to bodily fluids and possible exposure to infectious specimens, communicable diseases, toxic substances, medicinal preparations and other conditions common to a laboratory and medical office environment. May wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves or a mask. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- This position is covered by the provisions of the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act (Public Law 101-630), as amended, which requires an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed, or is being considered for employment, in a position with duties and responsibilities that involve regular contact with or control over Indian children. A criminal history investigation will be performed, and the applicant must meet the requirements of the Act.
- The duties of this position include mandatory reporting pursuant to 1) the Victims of Child Abuse law (34 USC § 20341) and 2) elder and vulnerable person laws (NRS 200.5093), as incorporated by decision of the FBC that elders and those who cannot speak for themselves are entitled to the same protections. Because such laws may subject employees to criminal penalties under FPST LOC § 5-50-040 and/or 18 U.S.C. §§ 1169 and 2258, all employees hired to this position must complete a Mandatory Reporter training within 90 days of hire.
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe and Native American/Indian Preference: Employment preferences to members of the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone and to members of federally-recognized Indian Tribes shall apply to this position pursuant to the Tribe’s Personnel Policies. Persons of Tribe and/or Indian ancestry and wish to claim these employment preferences should submit a copy of the Tribal Enrollment Card/Certification indicating the name of the Tribe they are enrolled with.
U.S. Veteran’s Preference: Preference to opportunities to veterans honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces shall apply to this position pursuant to the Tribe’s Personnel Policies.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe 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.
Drug Free Workplace: The Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe is a drug-free workplace. All employees are subject to a pre-employment and random drug screens.
Driving Record: Employees who drive tribal vehicles must have a valid Nevada Driver’s License, be insurable under the Tribe’s vehicle insurance program, and must also provide a DMV printout annually.
Background Checks: All employees must be able to pass a background check per the Tribe’s Background Check Policy.
Position Description Limitations: This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Tribe and the employee, and is subject to change by the Council as the needs of the Tribe and the requirements of the job change. This position description is not intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by any employee in this position and is not intended to reflect all duties performed within the position.