MANIILAQ ASSOCIATION
02/18
Title: Dental Health Aide Therapist Range: 17
Program: Dental Status: Exempt
Housing Priority: 3 Covered: Yes
POSITION SUMMARY
Clinically works under the general supervision of a Dentist, otherwise, reports to the Dental Clinic Manager. The Dental Health Aide Therapist performs a limited range of dental services at the Maniilaq Health Center Dental Clinic, and in the clinics of the Maniilaq Service Area. Responsible for various dental clinical settings; including patient preparation, record-keeping; maintains availability and cleanliness of equipment and materials needed. Works with potentially hazardous equipment and materials such as: x-ray equipment, body fluids, autoclaves, and sharp instruments. Attendance monitored by CHAP clinic supervisor where scheduled to work.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Displays a willing and helpful attitude to customers and staff. Professionally communicates in a warm, concerned, caring, and friendly manner over the telephone and in person.
2. Dental Health Aide services may be performed under the general supervision of a dentist provided that the dental health aide therapist has met the requirements of the Alaska Native Health Service Community Health Aide Program Certification Board Standards and Procedures. Must obtain and maintain certification through the health aide certification board.
3. A Certified Dental Health Aide therapist must successfully demonstrate and maintain competencies in the following scope of practice via satisfactory performance under general supervision of a dentist.
The therapist must be able to recognize the need for consultation with a general dentist and precede under his/her direction.
A. Dental and intraoral examination of adults and children, including evaluation of general medical condition, and recognition and diagnosis of pathological or irregular conditions. The results of such examination, and the risks, benefits and alternatives to proposed treatment will be communicated to the patient and/or guardian in a warm, caring, professional manner that fully informs and allows the patient and/or guardian to provide consent for treatment.
B. Takes, exposes, and interprets appropriate radiographs.
C. Obtains and updates the patient’s medical history and makes decisions about consultation with a dentist.
D. Administers appropriate local anesthetic using inferior alveolar nerve block and infiltration techniques.
E. Prepares and restores cavities in deciduous and permanent teeth with appropriate restorative material.
F. Performs pulpotomies and stainless steel crowns in deciduous teeth.
G. Caps the exposed pulp of permanent teeth.
H. Controls active dental caries by placement of temporary restorations.
I. Performs uncomplicated extractions of primary and permanent teeth
J. Administers appropriate fluoride therapies
K. Tests and records the vitality of a tooth and makes decisions regarding referral to a dentist
L. Applies fissure sealants
M. Polishes restorations
N. Applies rubber dam
O. Performs dental prophylaxis, including the removal of calculus
P. Conducts appropriate consultation, promotion and education with patient, parents and community groups
Q. Collaborates in formulating clinical service policies and analyses clinical performance measures
R. Ensures the accuracy of clinical records
S. Coordinates and guides the dental assistants in completing relevant duties assigned
T. Manages physical resources in the clinic setting
U. Operates within a health care team setting, making appropriate referrals to relevant health care professionals and community agencies
4. Participates in the activities of committees, or special initiatives as assigned.
5. Participates in the development and delivery of programs to enhance the public awareness of dental health promotion, and participates in the surveillance of community water fluoridation programs as assigned.
6. Participates in programs designed to assure regulatory compliance required of Maniilaq Health Center and the dental clinic.
7. Accesses, reads and responds as necessary to written material and e-mail on a daily basis.
8. Demonstrates discretion in handling confidential information. Maintains confidentiality of patients and hospital-related information.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
High school diploma or equivalent and must meet the requirements of the Alaska Native Health Service Community Health Aide Program Certification Board Standards and Procedures. Must obtain and maintain certification through the health aide certification board. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's policies and procedures. Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time as well as willing/able to travel in small airplanes and carry at least 40 pounds of luggage and / or equipment needed. Inupiaq/English bilingual preferred.
DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be considered an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel in this job, and the employer reserves the right to revise or change this description. This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each of the above essential duties ad meet physical demands. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to meet those conditions.
