Dental Assistant (TI-43534)

CLOSING DATE:    September 12, 2025

POSITION:               Dental Assistant

SALARY:                 $27.85 -$37.64 per hour DOE

REPORTS TO:        Dental Director

LOCATION:             Nespelem Health Center, Nespelem, WA 

Basic Functions:      This is an Exempt position.  Performs both basic and advanced chairside dental assisting under the direction of a dentist to support efficient dental team operations and enhance delivery of culturally appropriate dental services to the communities served.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Training: 

• Requires a high school diploma or GED.
• Requires completion of at least one year of dental assistant coursework or formal training specific to expanded functions.
• Requires experience as a basic dental assistant (ideally 2+ years) and ability to perform four‑handed dentistry.
• Experience with both basic and expanded function procedures in dental settings, preferred.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (AHA) within 90 days of hire and maintained throughout employment.
• Expanded Functions Dental Assistant certification—state-level or IHS-recognized course completion.
• State dental assistant registration or permit as applicable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Requires.Thorough understanding of dental anatomy, dental materials, instruments, and infection control protocols.
• Requires proficiency with radiographic techniques and processing.
• Requires inventory management and operatory maintenance knowledge.
• Requires familiarity with electronic health record (EHR)/Dental Health Records systems.
• Requires effective patient communication and education in oral health promotion.
• Ability to anticipate and efficiently support dentist in various procedures (four‑handed dentistry).
• Ability to perform reversible intra-oral procedures such as restorations, sealants, polishing, impressions under supervision.
• Ability to train others, adapt to EHR systems, and engage in continuing professional development.
• Manual dexterity to handle small instruments with precision.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods in dental settings.
• Ability to use fine motor skills while chairside assisting, prepping materials, and radiography.
• Strength/endurance to maneuver equipment, trays, models.
• Ability to don PPE and maintain aseptic technique.

Working Conditions:

• Clinical dental setting, ambulatory health center environment.
• Requires strict adherence to PPE, infection control, sterilization, and safety protocols.
• Regular use of sterilizers, radiographic equipment, dental instruments.
• May involve exposure to bodily fluids, aerosols, chemicals—must maintain safety and cleanliness.
• Potential for travel between tribal service units depending on need.

Note: Pursuant to Tribal Policy, if this position is safety sensitive it is subject to pre-employment drug testing. In addition, this position is subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing.

TRIBAL MEMBER AND INDI