BAD RIVER BAND OF LAKE SUPERIOR

BAD RIVER BAND OF LAKE SUPERIOR

TRIBE OF CHIPPEWA INDIANS

Bad River Health & Wellness Center

Open Monday-Friday 8am-4pm (Hours Vary by Dept.)

(715) 682-7133

53585 Nokomis Road

Ashland, WI 54806

Job Title:

Dental Assistant

Department: HWC- Dental

Hourly Rate: $19.00-$22.00/hour DOE

Exempt:

No/Hourly

Supervisor: Dental Assistant Supervisor

Posting Date: Public

Opens:

06/02/2026

Closes:

06/16/2026 at 4:30pm

Job Summary: The Dental Assistant supports the delivery of high-quality, culturally

sensitive oral healthcare to Tribal community members. This role works closely with

dentists, hygienists, and other healthcare staff to ensure safe, efficient, respectful and

patient-centered environment. The Dental assistant maintains patient comfort, prepares

treatment areas, and follows all clinical and tribal health protocols. A strong work ethic,

professionalism, dependability, and punctuality are required to maintain reliable patient

care and support consistent clinic operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned by

the Program Manager or the supervisor.

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Provide chairside assistance to dentists during examinations, restorative care,

extractions, endodontics, sealants, and other dental treatments.

Prepare, sterilize, and organize dental instruments and equipment following OSHA and

tribal infection-control standards.

Take and process digital dental radiographs in accordance with state and IHS radiation

safety guidance.

Mix and prepare dental materials (cements, composites, impression materials,

medicaments) safely and accurately.

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Apply topical anesthetics, fluoride, and dental sealants as permitted by

licensure/certification requirements.

Assist in urgent and emergency dental situations following IHS clinical protocols.

Chart all appropriate data of patients during exams and treatment.

Various other duties assigned

Attend and participate as a team member in staffings, meetings, and training sessions.

All other duties as assigned by dental director and/or clinic leadership

Greet and prepare patients for treatment while maintaining a respectful, culturally aware

environment.

Obtain and document medical and dental histories, vitals, and consent when required.

Educate patients on oral hygiene, routine care, and post-operative instructions.

Support trauma-informed care, patient comfort, and communication with elders, youth,

and patients with limited access to care.

Uphold patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance at all times Clean, disinfect, and

sterilize instruments and treatment areas based on OSHA, CDC, HIPAA, and IHS

standards.

Maintain proper PPE usage and adherence to bloodborne pathogen procedures.

Safely handle sharp instruments, biohazard waste, and sterilization equipment in

accordance with clinic protocols.

Maintain logs, sterilization documentation, and chain-of-custody procedures per IHS

guidance.

Participate in outreach, prevention, and education activities such as school screenings,

oral health presentations, and community wellness events.

Promote culturally appropriate oral health messaging that aligns with IHS goals for

prevention and long-term wellness within Tribal communities.

Cultural Sensitivity:This position requires awareness and deep appreciation of tribal traditions,

customs, and socioeconomic needs. It requires the ability at all times to meet and deal effectively

in contacts with Native American people and organizations. This requires tact, courtesy,

confidentiality, discretion, and sound judgment in handling sensitive issues.

Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to

perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the

knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable

individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Required Education and/or Experience

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High school diploma or GED.

Completion of a dental assisting training program or verified equivalent experience.

Demonstrated dependability, strong work ethic, and consistent punctuality.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and communicate clearly with patients, staff, and dental

providers.

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Preferred Education and/or Experience

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Experience working in a Tribal health system, IHS clinic, or community/public health

environments.

CDA or Expanded Function Dental Assistant certification (EFDA)

Familiarity with electronic health records, preferably Dentrix Enterprise

Understanding of Tribal community values, traditions , and culturally responsive care

practices

Maintain Valid Drivers License

Other Skills and Abilities:

Required:

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Ability to maintain strict compliance with Privacy Act requirements and Confidentiality

Policy

Ability to maintain confidential client records and obtain properly signed releases as

necessary

Cultural humility and respect for Tribal traditions and community relationships.

Reliable, punctual, and responsible work habits.

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.

Attention to detail in clinical protocols and patient documentation.

Ability to work in a team-based environment with dental and medical staff.

Flexibility to support changing patient volumes and clinic priorities.

Background Check:

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This position is contingent on the required ability to pass a Bad River caregiver background

check when working with children and/or the elderly.

Required driver check, to meet eligibility for Tribal Insurance.

This position is contingent on the ability to pass the required pre-employment drug

test.

Language Skills:

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Strong oral and written communication skills

Maintain strict compliance with Privacy Act requirements and Confidentiality Policy.

Reasoning Ability:

Good interpersonal skills and ability to work with individuals and families with objectivity and

courtesy. Ability to deal with difficult clients and maintain a professional attitude. Must be able to

multi-task and have excellent customer service skills.

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Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that

must meet by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform

essential functions. Must be physically able to perform all job duties. Ability to stand, sit, bend,

and walk for prolonged periods. Manual dexterity to safely operate dental equipment and

instruments. Ability to lift up to 30 lbs as needed (supplies, equipment).

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of

those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable

accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential

functions. This position is subject to inside and outside work. The noise level may be moderate

to loud. Clinical dental setting with exposure to disinfectants, radiographic equipment, dental

instruments, and biological hazards. PPE required in accordance with OSHA, CDC, and IHS

guidance.

Additional Requirements Successful completion of a background check. Compliance with

tribal polices, codes of conduct and employee health standards including immunization

requirements.

Drug-Free Workplace in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, P.L. 100-690,

and the Bad River Tribe’s Employee Policy & Procedures Handbook. Indian Preference will be

given in accordance with P.L. 93-638 and the Tribe’s Preference Policy.

Send Application and Resume To:

Bad River Tribe

Attn: Human Resources

P.O. Box 39

Odanah, WI 54861

http://www.badriver-nsn.gov/

Application material may also be emailed to:

a.connors@badriverhwc.com

darcie.powless@badriverhwc.com

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