Dental Assistant Trainee / I / II

Maniilaq Association is a P.L. 93-638 Native/Indian Preference/EEO Employer

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Dental Assistant Trainee / I / II

Job Code:

2026:OTZ-197

Location:

Kotzebue, Alaska

Program:

Dental

FT/PT Status:

Full Time

Job Responsibilities:

Maniilaq Association

5/2026

Title:  Dental Assistant Trainee                                                                                                          Pay Grade:  25/26/27

Program:  Dental                                                                                                                             Status:  Non-Exempt

Housing Priority:  None                                                                                                                     Covered:  Yes

POSITION SUMMARY

Dental Assistant Trainee / I

:

Provides assistance to Dental Providers and supports clinic functions. Work includes operatory preparation, chair side assistance, and record-keeping. Maintains cleanliness of operatory units and materials.  Works with potentially hazardous equipment and materials, such as:  x-rays, potentially infectious body fluids, autoclaves and sharp instruments.  Work is done in the Maniilaq Service Area but primarily based in Kotzebue. Reports directly to Lead Dentist or designee.

Dental Assistant II

:

Provides assistance to Dental Providers and supports clinic functions. Work includes operatory preparation, chair side assistance, and record keeping. Maintains cleanliness of operatory units and materials. Works with potentially hazardous equipment and materials, such as: x-ray equipment and chemicals, body fluids, autoclaves and sharp instruments. The Dental Assistant II should be proficient in the following tasks: operatory preparation, proficient chair-side assisting, record keeping, taking appropriate diagnostic dental radiographs, preparation of dental materials, placing/removing rubber dam, suture removal, taking dental impressions, and dental assistant training. Work is done in the Maniilaq Service Area but primarily based in Kotzebue. Reports directly to the Lead Dentist or designee.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Dental Assistant Trainee

:

Displays a willing and helpful attitude toward patients and staff. Professionally communicates in a warm, concerned, caring, and friendly manner over the telephone and in person.

Cleans and sterilizes dental equipment and instruments using autoclave according to infection control standards. Cleans and disinfects dental work areas according to infection control standards.

Stores and maintains adequate supplies in dental work areas.

Prepares operatory for dental provider, including seating and draping patients, and setting out instruments and materials needed for treatment.

Takes radiographs as prescribed by dental clinician.

Provides chair side assistance, including passing instruments, arranging and preparing materials, operating oral evacuator and retracting cheek and tongue.

Reports to Dental Operations Supervisor.

Updates patient records as directed by provider.

Prepares supplies and equipment for village travel, and works overtime as needed on village travel.

Accesses, reads and responds as necessary to written material and e-mail on a daily basis.

Maintains confidentiality of patients and hospital-related information according to HIPAA Guidelines.

Expected to participate in and successfully complete training offered locally that leads to promotion to Dental Assistant I/II, including Basic Life Support and I.H.S. Dental Radiology training. Additional training outside of the area may also be required.

Follows Dental Assistant Guidelines according to State of Alaska.

Dental Assistant I

:

Displays a willing and helpful attitude toward patients and staff. Professionally communicates in a warm, concerned, caring, and friendly manner over the telephone and in person.

Cleans and sterilizes dental equipment and instruments using autoclave according to infection control standards. Cleans and disinfects dental work areas according to infection control standards.

Stores and maintains adequate supplies in dental work areas.

Prepares operatory for dental provider, including seating and draping patients, and setting out instruments and materials needed for treatment.

Takes radiographs as prescribed by dental clinician.

Is able to evaluate radiographs for their diagnostic acceptability, and consults with provider / re-takes as necessary.

Provides chair side assistance, including passing instruments, arranging and preparing materials, operating oral evacuator and retracting cheek and tongue.

Demonstrates sound decision-making abilities concerning patient care.

Reviews health history, takes vitals, explains post-treatment instructions.

Makes good use of time, insuring patients are treated in a timely manner by monitoring and assisting patient flow in the clinic.

Reports to Dental Operations Supervisor.

Updates patient records as directed by provider.

Prepares supplies and equipment for village travel, and works overtime as needed on village travel.

Accesses, reads and responds as necessary to written material and e-mail on a daily basis.

Maintains confidentiality of patients and hospital-related information according to HIPAA Guidelines.

Expected to participate in and successfully complete training offered locally that leads to promotion to Dental Assistant II, including Basic Life Support and I.H.S. Dental Radiology training. Additional training outside of the area may also be required.

Follows Dental Assistant Guidelines according to State of Alaska.

Dental Assistant II

:

Displays a willing and helpful attitude toward patients and staff. Professionally communicates in a warm, concerned, caring, and friendly manner over the telephone and in person.

Cleans and sterilizes dental equipment and instruments using autoclave according to infection control standards. Cleans and disinfects dental work areas according to infection control standards.

Stores and maintains adequate supplies in dental work areas.

Prepares operatory for dental provider, including seating and draping patients, and setting out instruments and materials needed for treatment.

Takes radiographs as prescribed by dental clinician.

Evaluates finished radiographs for their diagnostic quality, consults with provider and re-takes as necessary.

Provides chair-side assistance during all facets of routine dental treatment, including passing and receiving instruments, arranging and preparing materials for use, operating oral evacuation, and provides lip, tongue, and cheek retraction.

Places and removes rubber dam.

Removes sutures under the direction of dentist.

Takes preliminary impressions for lab work, pours & trims models.

Takes vital signs on patients as ordered by provider.

Assists the Dental Operations Supervisor with training Dental Assistants.

Demonstrates sound decision-making abilities concerning patient care.

Reviews patient health history, takes vital signs, provides basic OHI, applies topical fluoride as prescribed, and gives post-treatment instructions to patient.

Makes good use of time, insuring that patients are treated in a timely manner by monitoring and assisting patient flow in the clinic.

Reports to Dental Operations Supervisor

Records specific information on patients' records as dictated by provider.

Prepares supplies and equipment for village travel, and works overtime as needed during those trips.

Accesses, reads and responds as necessary to written material and e-mail on a daily basis.

Maintains confidentiality of patients and hospital-related information according to HIPPA Guidelines.

Expected to maintain Basic Life Support and I.H.S. Dental Radiology Certification. Additional training outside of the area may also be required.

Follows Dental Assistant Guidelines according to State of Alaska.

Job Qualifications:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Dental Assistant Trainee

:

High school diploma or equivalent. Complete training in dental termin