Dental Assistant

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. It is equipped with digital charting/radiography, a panoramic/cephalometric X‑ray, a lab, a sterilization room, and a staff room.

Job Summary

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). The 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

Full‑Time Permanent; New vacancy; Open to Filled.

Salary

• Chairside – $46,924 – $63,027 per annum; $25.782 – $34.630 per hour
• CDA Level 1 – $51,319 – $68,932 per annum; $28.197 – $37.874 per hour
• CDA Level 2 – $56,576 – $75,992 per annum; $31.086 – $41.754 per hour

Qualifications

• Persons of First Nations ancestry will be given preference (OHRC, Part II, Special Employment).
• 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.
• Must have a valid full G‑class driving licence.
• 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 prioritise activities.
• Knowledge, experience and understanding of Indigenous culture and issues relevant to the delivery of health care in Indigenous communities in Canada.
• Perform the requirements of this position on a regular basis.
• Ability to communicate in one of the Indigenous dialects within Keewaytinook is an asset.
• Work co‑operatively and in a self‑directed manner; manage a variety of clinical tasks to support operations and treatment of clients effectively.
• Adaptable to changes in workload or work environment.

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.
• 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.
• Work safely with dental materials, sharp and contaminated instruments/needles, and where anaesthetic gases are used.
• Perform reprocessing procedures, operatory maintenance, monitor inventory and ensure supplies are restocked, including monitoring and maintaining dental emergency kit supplies.
• Ensure equipment is kept in good working order, following manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and sterilisation of instruments, handpieces and equipment.
• Follow, keep current and maintain documents relating to all Quality Assurance and IPAC guidelines.
• Adhere to the SLFNHA Policies & Procedures Manual and the Dental Clinic Policy and Procedures Manual.
• Handling of sensitive, confidential data and personal health information in accordance with PHIPA and PIPEDA.
• Take part in the audit process.
• Assist with emergency situations and be aware of emergency protocols.
• Performs dental laboratory procedures such as preparing dental models, ensuring lab requisites are completed, and packages dentures and records for shipping.
• Respond to inquiries from allied health professionals or SLFNHA departments.
• Co‑operative and self‑directed; adaptable and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Other duties as assigned.

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 or willingness to travel may be required.

Benefits

• Fitness reimbursement programme
• Comprehensive insurance coverage
• Professional development opportunities

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.

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