SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job

Greets, seats and prepares patient in appropriate treatment operatory

Prepares operatory in advance of appointment including instruments, radiographs, hand pieces, charts and supplies

Assists at chair-side using 4-handed techniques including tissue retraction, operatory air/water syringe and high-speed evacuation, passing instruments, preparing dental materials, maintaining dry field, etc.

Verbally relays post-treatment instruction to patients and provides oral hygiene instruction and education

Records examination results using proper charting protocol; completes progress notes when appropriate

Responsible for basic laboratory procedures including custom acrylic trays fabrication, occlusal guard fabrication, pouring and trimming of diagnostic casts

Cleans, prepares, and maintains operatories, lab, central sterilization and tray set up area

Prepares and maintains trays, tubs, instrument packs, mobile carts and supplies in an organized and uniform manner

Performs routine basic maintenance of dental equipment hand pieces, autoclave, automatic x-ray developer, high-speed evacuation etc.

Takes impressions and bite registrations

Places and removes orthodontic ligatures, bands, separators and appliances as directed by treating dentist

Other Functions

Accompanies dentist on village field trips throughout the year

Participates in Community Prevention activities i.e. school screening, Headstart, Oral Health Programs, Health Fairs etc.

In the absence of the receptionist, answers the telephone, directs calls, takes messages, manages appointment book, and maintains patient flow

Other duties as assigned

Additional Details:

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required

High school diploma or equivalent

CPR certificate preferred

Radiology certificate preferred

Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certification: Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) preferred

Experience Required

1.5 years’ of recent dental experience or Dental Assistant training certificate OR successful completion of SEARHC’s Dental Assistant Trainee program

Knowledge of

Chair Side Dental assisting

Dental Radiology

Infection Control

Skills in

Strong oral & written communication skills

Advanced levels of hand & eye coordination skills

Working level of organizational skills

Ability to

Communicate with patients and staff

Follow written and verbal instructions

Treat patients and staff with respect

Work well in a team setting

Position Information:

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!