Dental Assistant Trainee

ABOUT ANCHORAGE NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH CENTER:

At ANHC, we believe everyone deserves high-quality, respectful, and compassionate care, regardless of their ability to pay. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, we serve a diverse patient population with a commitment to health equity and community well-being.

Our culture is grounded in our core values: Respect, Compassion, Personal Integrity, Excellence, and Collaborative Spirit. These values guide how we care for our patients and how we treat one another. We foster a supportive, team-orientated environment where every voice is heard, diversity is celebrated, and staff are empowered to grow and make meaningful contributions. At ANHC, you'll be part of a mission-driven team that shows up every day with purpose, heart, and a deep commitment to the community we serve.   

POSITION SUMMARY & PROGRAM FEATURES:

Works under the direction of a qualified professional dentist or dental hygienist. Participates in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of dental care, within the objectives, standards and policies of the department and within the parameters of his/her preparation.  Performs a wide variety of challenging and technical duties and cooperates with the members of the dental staff and other center departments.

The dental assistant trainee role is part of a hybrid program combining self-paced online learning with hands-on clinical training in the dental clinic, with emphasis placed on safety, with full training and protocols provided for all clinical procedures.

In this program you will obtain real world experience in a modern clinic under the supervision of experienced dental professionals. The trainee curriculum includes infection control, chairside assisting, patient communication, and customer service.

During the training program, you will:

• Earn pay and receive full benefits while completing your training.
• Participate in classroom instruction along with hands-on chairside assisting as part of an integrated dental care team.
• Build knowledge across all areas of general dentistry while developing strong teamwork, customer service, communication, and computer skills.
• Work in our dental clinic where an integrated care team will mentor and support your ongoing training and professional development.

Once all training objectives and clinical competencies are successfully completed, you will transition into a dental assistant one position and receive a pay increase.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepares patients for dental encounter including auditing and updating patients' charts per ANHC health maintenance standards and per dental policies.  Takes vital signs as indicated, records chief complaint and prepares appropriate instruments for examination/procedure.
• Captures dental diagnostic x-rays, performs point of care testing when necessary (i.e. Blood sugar, HbA1c).
• Performs simple dental procedures such as Fluoride application, sealant placement, rubber dam placement, fabricates temporary crowns, packs cord, suture removal, obtains impressions, pours and trims models when needed, etc.
• Maintains sterile work field and assists dentist in all dental procedures.  Participates in four handed dental instrument delivery during treatment.
• Provides basic patient educations regarding dental hygiene, posts operative care, incision sutures, prescription usage, eating habits, and dental procedures.
• Follows up on referrals, facilitates patient scheduling, and with patients after surgical procedures.
• Records information concisely, accurately, and completely.  Obtains and files dental record.
• Understands and adheres to job related Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Center for Disease Control and Prevention requirements.  Sterilizes instruments demonstrating desired competencies.
• Assists with equipment maintenance.  Flushes vacuum system with appropriate solutions.  Performs water safety testing quarterly.
• Understands and maintains patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
• Identifies and utilizes appropriate channels of communication.

SUPPORTING DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support duties such as assisting other members of the dental staff, stocking and cleaning exam rooms, cleaning, wrapping and autoclaving instruments, filing records, assist or maintain inventory, maintains service record, maintains sterilization log, monitors safety issues such as fire extinguishers, spill kits, exit lights, eyewash station, etc.
   

WHY JOIN US?

• Competitive Salary and Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b) with employer match, and more)
• 7 Paid Holidays + 1 floating holiday per fiscal year
• Generous PTO accrual
• Continuing education and professional development reimbursement
• Mission-driven work that supports your growth and well-being.
• Collaborative team that values respect, compassion, and integrity.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. 

Work Experience: Entry level position with no required experience in a dental setting. Working knowledge of computer required.

Education, Certification and Licensure: Graduation from high school or equivalent, preferred. Must have current or be able to obtain CPR/BLS certificate upon hire.

Additional Skills & Knowledge: Bilingual preferred. 

PHYSICAL, SENSORY, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALIFICATIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, see, talk and listen.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work is performed in a healthcare clinic and office setting.  ANHC is a tobacco-free campus.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:

Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall,