GRAND OPENING JULY 2025!

The Nisqually Indian Tribe is developing a Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) facility on Pacific Ave in Olympia, Washington to address the opioid crisis within the Thurston County area. The Nisqually Indian Tribe is passionate about developing a whole person recovery model, keeping all services under one roof so the patient has the best possible chance of recovery. Our goal is to bring healing and wellness to the community, focusing on the entire family by serving tribal and non-tribal patients.

Jobs are projected to start late May - early June 2025.

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Dental Assistant conducts a variety of comprehensive skills in the dental office. This position is to assist the Dentist and dental team in providing the best possible care for the patient chair-side, in the laboratory, and back office. The expectation is to provide a variety of clerical, clinical, administration, and training functions, which aid the existing dental team in the performance of their assigned duties.

This position ensures confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, customer, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required and outstanding customer service to fellow employees, customers, vendors, etc. is expected. Regular attendance is required, later hours or weekend time may be required, and a neat well-groomed professional appearance is essential.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform routine maintenance and upkeep on all dental equipment and instruments.
• Conducts cleaning, packaging, and sterilization procedures on all dental equipment and organize in proper storage areas.
• Coordinates all ordering and relations with suppliers.
• Maintains storage of supplies and replenishes when necessary.
• Provides scheduling, seating of dental patients, and set up instruments for dental procedures.
• Conducts chair-side assistance during routine examination, restorative, periodontics, and surgical procedures.
• Assists provider in applying topical fluoride, anesthetic and desensitizing agents.
• Take quality digital radiographs to assure the highest degree of diagnostic information with the least amount of exposure.
• Conducts supportive laboratory procedures, properly completing laboratory requisition slips, pouring study models, trimming models, fabricating custom trays, night guards and bleaching trays.
• Provides oral prophylaxis treatment consisting of rubber cup coronal polishing and topical fluoride application.
• Educate patients on appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health; (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing, and nutritional counseling).
• Provides patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures, such as the placement of restorations and extractions.
• Follows universal precaution protocol management in accordance with OSHA compliance.
• Conducts x-ray testing and x-ray certification testing.
• Performs fabrication of temporary crowns and bridges.
• Takes quality impressions.
• Initiates community outreach and education including providing preventative services outside the clinic i.e. Transitional Living and dental-supported events.
• Ensure security and confidentiality of all program data and operate in accordance with applicable regulations of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Registered in the State of Washington upon application.
• Current CPR (BLS) certifications.
• Five (5) years' experience working in a dental office is preferred.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.

• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
• The ability to work with vulnerable populations including adults and children.
• Must pass a State and National (FBI) criminal history background check prior to employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural
• Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.

SUPERVISION

This position does not supervise others.

COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of modern dentistry and of prevention of dental diseases.
• State and federal laws pertaining to dentistry and to public dental health.
• Dental technology (Electronic Dental Records and Imaging systems) and mobile equipment.
• Dental health maintenance through a public health, minimally invasive lens that treats a patient holistically, integrating medical services.
• Infection control protocols and ability to lead by example in best practices.
• Common office and administrative procedures.
• Tribal, Federal, and state laws, codes, and regulations.
• HIPAA and PHI requirements. Knowledge and adherence to state (RCW, WAC) and federal confidentiality regulations (42 CFR part 2)
• Knowledge of trauma and its impact on wellness and recovery.

Skilled in:

• Operating a personal computer and standard office programs and equipment.
• Organizational management practices.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Motivational interviewing (MI) skills or a desire to learn MI.

Ability to:

• Work in a computer-based environment, especially Microsoft Windows.
• Work in a cross-cultural environment and understand the social and cultural contexts of patients.
• Prioritize multiple tasks amidst frequent interruptions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, staff, and external agencies.
• Maintain personal, professional, and ethical boundaries.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 30+ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.