Clinical Responsibilities

• Examine patients’ oral cavities, including the mouth, throat, and pharynx, documenting the condition of teeth and surrounding tissues.

• Refer patients to the dentist for decay, defective fillings, oral abnormalities, periodontal disease, and other concerns.

• Apply desensitizing agents and other topical medications as appropriate.

• Administer topical and local anesthesia as permitted.

• Expose, develop, and mount dental radiographs, including bitewing, panoramic, and periapical images.

• Interpret radiographs to identify calculus, decay, oral abnormalities, and periodontal bone loss while utilizing X-rays as patient education tools.

• Record medical histories and treatment provided.

• Maintain dental instruments and equipment in optimal working condition.

• Disinfect operatories and sterilize instruments in accordance with Dental Clinic Policies & Procedures, JST Public Health & Safety Plan, and the Tribe’s Exposure Control Plan.

• Educate patients individually and in groups using models, displays, brochures, videos, and other educational materials.

Demonstrate proper brushing, flossing, and periodontal care techniques.

Perform comprehensive oral prophylaxis, including:

• Cleaning and polishing removable dental appliances.

• Applying topical fluorides, anticariogenic agents, and occlusal sealants.

• Polishing teeth using rubber prophy cups and prophy paste.

• Removing calculus deposits, accretions, and stains.

• Supragingival and subgingival scaling using cavitron and universal scaling instruments.

• Seating and draping patients.

Trauma-Informed Care

• Provide care using a trauma-informed approach that recognizes the impact of past trauma on health behaviors.

• Tailor communication and treatment plans to meet each patient’s individual needs.

Harm Reduction

• Integrate harm reduction principles into patient care.

• Educate patients about the effects of substance use on oral health and strategies to reduce associated risks.

Patient Education & Support

• Address patient questions and concerns with empathy and respect.

• Provide resources and referrals for additional healthcare services when appropriate.

Additional Responsibilities

• Follow all Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe and Jamestown Healing Clinic policies and procedures, including HIPAA, safety standards, and infection control practices.

• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.