Dental Assistant Supervisor



Hires, trains, supervises, and maintains certification records for dental assistants. Initiates ongoing performance improvement activities and develops processes for workflow efficiencies for dental assistants. Is responsible for the daily, weekly, and monthly responsibilities and duties of the dental assistants, provides staff training, and completes annual performance evaluations. Works in full capacity as a dental assistant during the day-to-day operation of the dental clinic.

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their 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, and more.

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job

• Performs all duties as outlined in the Lead DA and Dental Assistant III job descriptions.

• Supervises the day-to-day activities and assignments of dental assistants in the SEARHC Dental Clinic.

• Directs the assistants in weekly and monthly infection control, clinic maintenance, and quality improvement activities.

• Is responsible for new dental assistant employee recruitment, onboarding, and training.

• Develops and implements workflow processes to ensure DA efficiencies.

• Develops and ensures the completion of DA monthly job duties and assigns them to individual employees, including village travel coverage.

• Completes annual performance evaluations of all dental assistants under their direct supervision in collaboration with dentist(s).

• Completes annual DA competencies for all dental assistants under their direct supervision.

• Leads Dental Assistant meetings and huddles.

• Establishes systems to record and manage DA certifications, DA attendance and disciplinary actions, equipment inventory, and supply inventory and ordering. 

• Checks DA stocking of operatories and carts. Oversees inventory of all stocked items and ordering all clinic supplies and materials.

• Oversees daily logs of Medical Emergency Equipment and inventory of key equipment.

• Approves employee time sheets while maintaining leave request, sick leave logs, and unscheduled leave logs.

• Identifies areas of needed staff development, facilitates or provides training and coordinates in participation in appropriate training opportunities.

• Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct supervisor to Dental Assistants and Sterilization Technicians in their clinic.

• Supervises 5 or more Dental Assistants

Additional Details:

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification in Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) preferred.

• Current IHS radiology certificate within 90 days of hire.

• BLS required within 90 days of hire.

• Clinical Competency required within 90 days of hire and every 3 years following.

• High Risk Competency required within 90 days of hire and every year following.

Experience Required

• Minimum 6 years’ dental assisting work experience, 2 years of which are in a lead or supervisory capacity OR Dental Assistant Level III

Knowledge of

• Dental materials

• Dental procedures and instruments

Skills in

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Advanced levels of hand-eye coordination skills

• Strong leadership and administrative skills

Ability to

• Work with multiple staff members in a constructive team environment.

• Provide training to less experienced staff in a mentoring supportive manner.

• Set the standards and expectations for less experienced staff in a professional manner.

• Effectively monitor inventory and order supplies in a timely fashion.

Computer Skills

• Proficiency in Dental Practice Management Software

• Electronic Health Records (EHR) Management

Other Qualification

• Basic internet and email skills

Travel Required

• Yes

Safety and Risk Management Responsibilities

• Adheres to all infection control, sterilization, and safety protocols

• Ensures staff compliance with OHSA, HIPAA, and clinic safety standards

• Identifies and reports potential safety hazards or incidents promptly

• Maintains a clean, organized, and hazard-free clinic environment

• Participates in safety trainings and emergency preparedness drills

• Promotes a culture of safety and accountability within the dental team

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods

• Frequent bending, stooping, and reaching

• Manual dexterity for handling instruments and equipment

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds

• Visual and auditory acuity to perform patient care and administrative duties

Work Environment

• Clinical setting with exposure to dental equipment, instruments, and materials

• Fast-paced, patient-centered environment requiring multitasking and adaptability

• Collaborative team atmosphere with direct patient interaction

• Compliance with safety, sterilization, and infection control protocols required

Position Information:

Work Shift:OT 8/40

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