Dental Assistant Trainee

JOB TITLE: Dental Assistant Trainee

Supervisor: General Dentist

Status: Non-Exempt

Salary: Starting at $17.27

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Posting Closes: 05-15-2026 at 9am

Excellent Benefit Package for Eligible Team Members

• Employees contribute minimal cost sharing towards medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer Paid premiums on short term disability, life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment
• Flexible Spending Account for Medical Reimbursement
• 100% Employer paid Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Dependent Care Reimbursement
• 401K Plan with eligible match
• MERS Plan for Law Enforcement
• A generous paid time off program where all employees begin earning accrued paid time off immediately upon hire
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program with Educational Release Time
• Thirteen Paid Holidays
• Employee wellness and fitness programs
• Opportunities to participate in NHBP Sponsored activities
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness eligible employer
  
  
  

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the General Dentist, this position is responsible to prepare the patient for the treatment, assist the dentist in performing their treatment to the patient in restorative dentistry or oral surgery, prepare materials and equipment for treatment and have them ready for the dentist’s use, take x-rays and assist the dentist in laboratory work. May perform other related work to include, but This position is designed to be a career tracking position in Health and Human Services and is intended for a Tribal Member of Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP).

not limited to, making appointments, answer the phone, ordering supplies and doing the dental billing.

Essential Functions

The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities, and positions titles as it deems necessary to meet the needs of the government. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.

• Enroll in a training program identified by HHS and complete all coursework and exams at a passing level.
• Engage in on-the job learning with designated mentor and learn to perform tasks independently, tasks include:
• Greets patients in waiting area and escorts patients to the operatory.
• Assists the dentist in the administration of treatment at the chair side as required or directed by the dentist.
• Promotes an atmosphere supportive of good dental and general health by demonstrating good oral hygiene, questioning patients to ascertain home care status, instructing patients in techniques of flossing and brushing in accordance with protocol.
• Maintain a sterile and neat working environment according to current infection control procedures.
• Review the health history, make chart entries under the direction of the operator and assure completion of forms and signatures.
• Assume the responsibility associated with any expanded duties that may be delegated by the dentist.
• Familiar the patient with the aspects of their dental visit and provide support and compassion to that patient when it is needed.
• Stock operatories and maintain clinical supply inventory.
• Review daily schedule to set up appropriate trays and instruments.
• Assist in front office procedures if time allows or need is determined by the Dentist.
• Supervise preventive maintenance of dental equipment.
• Serves as supply liaison. Communicates with purchasing department and vendors to assure prompt receipt of all orders.
• Performs procedures under the allowed delegation of duties.
• Conserves dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Participates in dental team and health and human services departmental meetings.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

An applicant’s education, training and experience must be sufficient to demonstrate that the applicant possesses the ability to successfully perform each of the essential functions. The requirements listed below are generally representative of the education, experience, and skills and/or ability required to enable one to successfully perform the essential functions associated with his position:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Dental Radiology Certificate or ability to gain certification within 12 months of hire.
• Required to complete Dental Assistant coursework and meet clinical competencies within one year from date of hire.
• Possess a calm disposition and the ability to work easily with people.
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends.
• Willingness to participate in community events to assist with dental education.
• Able to understand, gain knowledge and appreciate the difference of Native American culture and customs.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license with good driving record; GSA certifiable.
• Must be able to travel.
• Must be able to successfully complete and pass a comprehensive background investigation and drug screening in accordance with NHBP standards.
• CPR/First Aid certified, or ability to become certified as training is available
• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality, including HIPAA requirements.
• Must possess strong administrative, organizational, and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated exceptional computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheets, and knowledge of other office equipment required.
• Strong ability to organize and maintain electronic and physical files.
• Ability to be self-directed and be an excellent problem solver.
• Ability to work well in team centered environment with or without immediate supervision.
• Ability to work with constant interruptions and organize/prioritize duties.
• Professional demeanor and appearance.
  
  
  

SECURITY SENSITIVE

This position may contain information that is security sensitive and thereby subject to additional provisions. All information obtained will be protected under IHS/HIPAA policy rules and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Tribal government or Native American institutions.
  
  
  

INDIAN PREFERENCE

Tribal preference will be applied in accordance with the NHBP Indian Preference in Employment Code which requires that preference in employment be afforded to NHBP members, spouse/parents of NHBP members and Native Americans who meet the minimum qualifications and can successfully perform the essential functions for the position.