Dental Assistant

JOB SUMMARY

The Oral Health Services Department is opening a four-operatory dental clinic in Sioux Lookout. The clinic has two dental, one hygiene, and one surgical operatory with a recovery room. The clinic is complete with digital charting/ radiography, a panoramic/cephalometric x-ray, lab, sterilization room, and staff room.

The Dental Assistant, Clinical (DA) will assist the dentist and hygienist chairside and provide clinical services within scope of practice. Duties include following infection, prevention and control (IPAC) protocols in accordance with established policies and procedures. The clinic follows the standards and guidelines of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO). This position requires a commitment to establishing strong client relationships while maintaining ethical and professional behaviour.

The Dental Assistant is directly accountable to the Manager – Oral Health Services

Position Type: FT Permanent

Posting Type: This job posting is for a new vacancy

Closing Date: Open to Filled

Location: Sioux Lookout

Salary: Competitive salary based on Education/Experience

Qualifications:

• Persons of First Nations ancestry will be given preference (OHRC, Part II, Special Employment).
• The ability to perform the requirements of the position on a regular basis.
• Ability to communicate in one of the First Nations dialects in the Sioux Lookout Zone is an asset.
• Level II Dental Assisting Program certification from an accredited college is preferred but not required.
• Have an NDAEB Certificate and be a member of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association or be willing to obtain one.
• One to two years of clinical experience is preferred but not required.
• Obtain Healing Arts Radiation Protection (HARP) certification as required.
• Obtain Medical Device Reprocessing certification as required.
• Proof of valid First Aid, Basic Life Saver CPR with AED or willingness to obtain.
• Experience working with dental practice management software, digital charting and radiography is an asset.
• Strong organization and scheduling skills with clients, families, peers and allied health care partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with excellent time management and ability to prioritize activities.
• Knowledge, experience and understanding of Indigenous culture and issues relevant to the delivery of health care in Indigenous communities in Canada.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• In daily clinic operations, the DA will support all registered oral health care providers.
• Support the oral health team, including administrative operations, with client care.
• Demonstrate empathetic and ethical practices while dealing with complex client situations.
• Assist the dentist and hygienist with various dental procedures.
• Take radiographs as prescribed by the dentist and in accordance with HARP guidelines.
• Able to perform the full scope of DA duties appropriate to certification level and maintain ethical and professional standards.
• Provide client and/or parents, guardians, and escorts with instructions as needed regarding treatment and post-treatment care.
• Preparation of the operatories.

Working conditions:

Work is typically performed during regular clinic hours, with occasional evening or weekend shifts as needed. The role requires prolonged periods of standing, bending, and assisting during dental procedures. The role requires the ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 20 lbs, including equipment, supplies, and client care materials. Must be comfortable working in close proximity to others and using personal protective equipment (PPE) as per infection control protocols. Exposure to bodily fluids, dental materials, and standard dental instruments is part of the daily work environment. Some travel, including driving to other communities such as Lac Seul First Nation, will be required to provide dental services.

Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority focuses on hiring Indigenous employees whenever possible. Candidates are encouraged to self-identify on their application. Self-identification is voluntary and the information is used to assist SLFNHA in hiring Indigenous people from the region whenever possible and to support candidates in their application.

We offer competitive and comprehensive employment benefits to Full-Time employees:

• Pension plan
• Fitness reimbursement program
• Comprehensive insurance coverage
• Professional development opportunities
• Relocation assistance