Dental Assistant I

Dental Assistant I Union Exempt: No The following statements describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel classified as such. Position Code: E01N Non Exempt Department: Health Center Operations Location: Health Centers Position Summary Under general supervision, provides a range of clinical, administrative, and staff support to a full‑range dental services operation. Assists in the performance of dental and radiography procedures; prepares and maintains dental equipment and supplies in accordance with established protocols, procedures, policies, and standards. Supports day‑to‑day patient administration, records management, and office support activities. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Provides chair‑side assistance to dentists and/or dental hygienists in the performance of dental procedures, including operative, preventive, periodontal, endodontic, prosthetic, and/or oral surgical procedures. Prepares, sterilizes, organizes, and sets up dental equipment, ensuring all instruments are cleaned, dated, and processed per clinic guidelines and standards. Monitors and maintains dental equipment such as compressors, evacuator systems, radiographic developing equipment, sterilizers, and light curing units in accordance with manufacturers' guidelines. Exposes and processes dental radiographs per provider orders; assists in monitoring and maintaining radiation safety procedures and protocols. Follows and maintains all relevant federal, state, and institutional regulations, guidelines, policies, and standards for dental clinical services. Orders and maintains inventories of dental clinic supplies. Interacts with and processes dental clinic patients; performs telephone triage, conducts patient interviews, and obtains prior approvals from third‑party payors. Maintains dental laboratory slips and creates and maintains dental records per established protocol and procedures. Prepares instruments for sterilization and storage in trays. Educates patients based on a sound knowledge of prevention and control of oral diseases; uses teaching aids to effectively present information. Inventories and orders materials and supplies for the dental clinic. Contacts patients by telephone for return visits. Takes and pours up dental impressions under direction of a dentist. Performs miscellaneous job‑related duties as assigned. Requirements Minimum Education and Experience High School graduate or GED certificate required. Graduation from an ADA‑recognized certificate program is preferred. Bi‑lingual English/Spanish is preferred. Work experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified is strongly preferred. Licenses/Certifications Required Active license from NM Board of Dental Healthcare with certification required in: Dental Radiography CPR Certification must be obtained within first 6 months of hire and maintained. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required Ability to work as a team member within a clinical environment. Current knowledge of and ability to follow a full range of dental clinical procedures and protocols. Knowledge of Federal, State, and institutional regulations and guidelines for the provision of dental outpatient services. Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation per established regulations and guidelines. Knowledge of sterile procedures. Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot a wide range of dental equipment per prescribed procedures and standards. Ability to expose and process dental radiographs. Knowledge of radiation safety procedures, standards, and protocols. Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control. Interviewing skills. Knowledge of planning and scheduling techniques. Knowledge of patient evaluation and triage procedures. Records maintenance skills. Knowledge and familiarity with compliance program. Cooperate fully and comply with laws and regulations. Age of Patients Served Adult, geriatric, adolescent, pediatric Physical Characteristics / Working Conditions Physical Effort and Dexterity: Good dexterity to operate personal computer and basic medical and laboratory equipment. Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average‑weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day. Machines, Tools, Equipment: Capable of using medical equipment, office machines and personal computers for word processing, data entry and retrieval. Visual Acuity, Hearing, and Speaking: Must be able to read computer monitor output and basic medical tests accurately. Must communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance. Environment/Working Conditions: Work is mostly inside a clinic in a controlled environment. Normal clinic safety precautions and practices are required. Position may require travel throughout the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Work is regularly scheduled Monday‑Friday, although weekends may be required. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ashbaugh Beal