Definition

Under clinical supervision of a Dentist and under administrative supervision of the Director of Health Services helps provides a variety of preventative and restorative dental care services to SRPMIC patients. Works to provide high quality dental care and hygiene education to patients. This job class is treated as FLSA Non-exempt. This position is job progression eligible.

Distinguishing Features: This job is progression eligible and differs between Dental Assistant II in years of experience and expanded function certification.

Essential Functions: Essential functions may vary among positions and may include the following tasks and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be comprehensive list of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

Examples of Tasks

Clinical: Provides chair-side assistance duties for the Dentist in all phases or restoration, prosthodontic, surgical, endodontic and periodontal treatment.

Must be fully functional in all aspects of the job within 6 months of obtaining Dental Assistant (DA) Certification.
Assists with all routine, advanced and specialty procedures, including dental examinations, oral surgery and general dentistry.
Works with varnishes, sealants, dental films and impression models
Provides compassionate care for all patient age groups, especially children, youth, and elders.
Performs routine prophylaxis and topical fluoride treatment assigned by the Dentist.
Operates dental x-ray equipment to take intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs.
Processes and mounts radiographic films.
Provides patient education and instruction in prevention of oral diseases and post-service and operative care.
Maintains professional knowledge regarding new procedures and emerging issues in oral health.
Cleans, packages and sterilizes all dental instruments, utilizing autoclave, and ultrasonic cleaner.
Takes primary dental impressions for study model, pours stone and trims model.

Administrative: Acts as Receptionist. Answers phone calls and schedules patients.

Pulls and files medical records.
Maintains supply levels and requisitions supplies for the dental clinic.

Miscellaneous: Performs other job-related tasks as assigned by the Dentist or Director of Health Services.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

Knowledge of the history, culture, haws, ordinances, customs and traditions of the SRPMIC.
Knowledge of general dental clinic procedures.
Knowledge of infection control and blood borne pathogens precautions.
Knowledge of appointment scheduling procedures.
Knowledge of customer service principles.
Knowledge of diabetes.
Skill with both verbal and written communication.
Skill performing intra-oral and extra-oral procedures.
Skill using an autoclave, x-ray equipment, ultrasonic cleaner, and other dental equipment.
Skill maintaining accurate lab and patient records.
Skill working with clients of all ages.
Skill educating patients regarding oral hygiene and care.
Skill using dental tools and supplies.
Ability to learn the Indian Health Service system.
Ability to learn new procedures and improve knowledge of dental care and disease.
Ability to develop and maintain positive and effective working relationships with all staff, patients, and members of the Community.
Ability to accurately and promptly follow directions.
Ability to make patients feel at ease.
Ability to work as an effective and contributory member of the Clinic team.
Ability to operate a variety of standard office equipment including personal computer and software, copy machines, fax machines and calculators.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: High School diploma or GED and Graduation from a Dental Assistant Certification from an accredited college or training institution and at least 1 year of full-time experience as a Dental Assistant preferred.

Certified in CPR and First Aid or receive certification within six months of hire date.

Equivalency – Any equivalent combination of experience and education that will allow the applicant to satisfactorily perform the duties of the job may be considered when filling the position.

Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill

Special Requirements

Must be able to stand for extended periods.
May be exposed to blood-borne pathogens.
May be required to lift materials up to 25 lbs.
Employees in, and applicants applying for, jobs providing direct services to children are subject to the “Community Code of Ordinances”, Chapter 11, “Minors”, Article X. “Investigation of Persons Working With Children”.
New hires in non-clinical roles with the CPR/BLS requirement must provide valid certification prior to first day of employment or complete course within 60 days of hire.
Ensures all patient information is kept confidential and complies with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations and SRPMIC HHS policies and procedures.
Occupational Health Requirements: Certain positions have specific health and safety requirements based on the essential functions of the role. These requirements may include respirator (mask) fit testing, immunizations, and other occupational health screenings. Candidates selected for these positions must successfully complete all applicable requirements prior to hire as a condition of employment.

Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check.

"SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer" Preference will be given to a qualified: Community Member Veteran, Community Member, Spouse of Community Member, qualified Native American, and then other qualified candidate.

In order to obtain preference, the following is required: 1) Qualified Community Member Veteran (DD-214) will be required at the time of application submission 2) Qualified Community Member (must provide Tribal I.D at time of application submission),3) Spouse of a Community Member (Marriage License/certificate and spouse Tribal ID or CIB is required at time of application submission), and 4) Native American (Tribal ID or CIB required at time of application submission).

Documents may be submitted by one of the following methods:

1) attach to application
2) email to HRRecruitment@srpmic-nsn.gov
3) fax (480) 362-5860
4) mail or hand deliver to Human Resources.

Documentation must be received by position closing date.

The IHS/BIA Form-4432 is not accepted.

Your Tribal ID/CIB must be submitted to HR-Recruitment-Two Waters.

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Employee Benefits Overview

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) is committed to supporting the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package to employees, designed to enhance your quality of life both at work and at home. Below is a summary of the benefits available to SRPMIC employees. Plan details and eligibility requirements are provided upon hire and are subject to change.

Health Care Benefits

SRPMIC provides medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage for all regular full-time employees enrolled in standard plans. These benefits represent a significant part of your total compensation.

Medical: Choose from three plan options to fit your needs—the Low Deductible Plan, the Mid-Deductible Plan, and the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). As a self-funded plan, SRPMIC directly covers the cost of medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision services for all participants.

Dental: Enjoy nationwide access to the Humana Dental PPO/Traditional Preferred network, offering flexibility and choice in selecting dental care providers.

Vision: Coverage is provided through Davis Vision, including eye exams, lenses, frames, and contact lenses. Members also benefit from discounted rates on additional eyewear and services.

Life Insurance: All eligible employees are automatically enrolled in a fully paid basic term life insurance policy with a matching accidental death benefit.

Retirement Plans

SRPMIC supports your long-term financial goals through multiple retirement plan options:

401(k) and Roth Plans: Eligible employees can participate in both pre-tax and post-tax retirement savings plans. SRPMIC contributes 5% of your compensation to the pre-tax 401(k) and matches up to 3% of your salary deferral contributions.

Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS): Available to eligible certified police officers and firefighters.

Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS): Available to Salt River School educators.

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA): A retiree HRA with Health Equity, which is a tax-advantaged employer-funded account that retired employees (Age 55+) can use for qualified medical expenses, including some premiums, and out-of-pocket expenses such as copays and deductibles.

Paid Leave & Holidays

Annual & Sick Leave: Employees accrue separate balances for sick and annual leave each pay period. Sick leave may be used for personal or family illness and medical appointments, while annual leave covers vacation or personal time.

Holidays: SRPMIC observes 15 paid holidays each year, including two discretionary holidays and one day of birthday leave.

Other SRPMIC Paid Benefits

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

SRPMIC offers a confidential Employee Assistance Program through SupportLinc, available at no cost to employees, their dependents, and household members.

Additional Voluntary Benefits

WellPath Wellness Program: A voluntary wellness initiative that encourages healthy living and rewards participation with incentives. Available to all employees and their dependents.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Administered by HealthEquity, FSAs allow you to pay for eligible health and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Health Savings Account (HSA): Available to employees enrolled in the HDHP.

Supplemental Life & AD&D Insurance: Employees may purchase additional life and accidental death coverage for themselves and their dependents.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): SRPMIC is a qualified employer under the PSLF program. Employees may be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness.

At SRPMIC, we value our employees and are proud to offer benefits that support your health, well-being, and future.

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community jobs

Dental Assistant I