Dental Assistant Trainee

Pay Range: $25.00 - $31.88. Develop the skills necessary to facilitate delivery of dental services by assisting the dentists with direct patient care (infants, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric) and the day-to-day operation of the Dental Clinic.

SEARHC is a non‑profit health consortium that serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets and prioritize their development and 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 insurance, dental and vision benefits, life insurance, and long‑ and short‑term disability.

• 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, high‑speed evacuation, passing instruments, preparing dental materials, and maintaining dry field.
• Verbally relays post‑treatment instruction to patients.
• 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, and high‑speed evacuation.
• Takes impressions and bite registrations.
• Places and removes orthodontic ligatures, bands, separators, and appliances as directed by meeting dentist.

• Accompanies dentist on village field trips throughout the year.
• Participates in Community Prevention activities such as school screening, Headstart programs, Oral Health Programs, and Health Fairs.
• In the absence of the receptionist, answers the telephone, directs calls, takes messages, manages the appointment book, and maintains patient flow.
• Other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• CPR certificate preferred.
• BLS required within 90 days of start.

• None.

• Chair side dental assisting.
• Dental radiology.
• Infection control.

• Strong oral & written communication skills.
• Advanced levels of hand & eye coordination skills.
• Working level of organizational skills.

• Communicate with patients and staff.
• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Treat patients and staff with respect.

Work Shift:

OT 10/40

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