AGENCY STATEMENT:

The Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) is an Alaska Native non-profit corporation, charged with advancing Tribal self-determination and enhancing regional Native unity. TCC has an extensive rural health care system to support health and promote wellness to Indian Health Service beneficiaries.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Under the supervision of the Dental Assistant Supervisor and the Dental Assistant Trainer, the job incumbent will:

• Develop mastery of the required curriculum which will involve after hours study.

• Learn to assist the dentist in the dental operatory including the following:

• Learn to clean and disinfect the operatory after use. Learn to set up the operatory utilizing infection control barrier techniques. Learn to processes instruments by wrapping, packing, and sterilizing instruments following CDC guidelines.

• Learn to keep the units, cabinets and other areas (lab, sterilization rooms) ready, stocked, clean and organized. Keeps an inventory control.

• Learn AAAHC, OSHA and CDC guidelines and follows the work practices within these guidelines.

• Learn to teach patients proper oral hygiene instruction; brushing and flossing techniques, and causes of caries and Periodontal Disease.

• Learn to perform office tasks such as scheduling appointments, answering the phone, billing, and inventory control. Greeting patients and assisting them as they fill out the required paperwork. Become proficient with the use of basic Microsoft software and Dentrix.

• Learn to perform basic procedures in the dental office laboratory.

• Learn to assist Dental Assistants, DHATs and/or Dentists in preparation for travel.

• Learn the names of instruments, materials and supplies needed for dental treatment. Learns the anatomy of the mouth and names, numbers and surfaces of teeth.

• Obtain certificate of competency in Radiology, Infection Control, Dentrix, and sealant placement.

• Obtain BLS certification.

• Learn and become proficient in the use of portable dental field gear.

• Learn and become proficient in TCC customer service protocols, in particular AIDET.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

• Incumbent will occasionally work overtime as the needs of patient care dictate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must be able to pass an ICPA background check.
• Must be in compliance with TCC Drug and Alcohol policy.
• Must be able to complete BLS training within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Must be willing to complete the training course of approximately 12 months duration with the Dental Program at Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center and then relocate and work with the DHAT as a Dental Assistant in either Tok or Galena as determined during the interview process.
• Inability to successfully complete the training course in the approximate 12 month period and relocation to Tok or Galena will result in termination of the internship without advancement to a Dental Assistant I position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Position requires long periods of sitting, standing, recurring bending, stooping, crouching, stretching, and reaching. Job incumbent must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds in support of equipment/other. Patients may be required to be lifted bodily from time to time. Incumbent will handles uncontaminated and contaminated needles on a regular basis. Job incumbent must be able to perform multiple tasks with frequent interruptions. Some itinerant village travel required.              

SUMMATION: Incumbent must demonstrate continued progress toward completion of curriculum throughout the internship. This is an internship of approximately 12 month in duration to train students to become dental assistants. The goal of the Dental Assistant Internship program is for successful completion of the training curriculum which will lead to a promotion to a permanent full time position as a Dental Assistant I.

Required Skills Required Experience

Must have the ability to pass the powered industrial vehicles certification course and safely operate a forklift and powered hand jacks.

Ability to lift 30lbs regularly.