Dental Assistant

This position is located at the Jicarilla Service Unit, Jicarilla, New Mexico Area Indian Health Service.

$70,000 - $75,000 a year

Position Summary:

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Dental Assistant to support clinical dental operations and enhance patient care within our dental practice. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills, a commitment to patient confidentiality, and the technical ability to assist with a wide range of routine and complex procedures in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

-Adhere to all infection control and OSHA protocols as established by clinic policy.

-Maintain strict compliance with HIPAA regulations and internal confidentiality standards to protect patient health information.

-Provide chair-side assistance to dentists during all routine dental procedures.

-Prepare patients for dental treatments, ensuring comfort and understanding of procedures.

-Properly disinfect and sanitize dental operatories in accordance with infection control protocols.

-Set up operatory with appropriate instruments and materials before each procedure.

-Update patient records , including medical history and clinical notes in Dentrix, as instructed by the dentist.

-Take dental radiographs and ensure proper positioning and exposure.

-Apply topical fluoride and perform toothbrush prophylaxis for pediatric patients as directed by the dentist.

-Take alginate impressions and fabricate dental models and custom trays.

-Prepare dental lab prescriptions per dentist's instructions.

-Monitor and maintain inventory of supplies and materials in each operatory.

-Sterilize dental instruments and equipment following established protocols.

-Provide patient education regarding oral hygiene, post-operative care, and other relevant topics.

-Assist patients with completing and understanding dental consent forms .

-Support reception duties on an as-needed basis, including patient check-in/out and scheduling.

-Record and monitor vital signs as needed for clinical evaluations.

Qualifications:

-Dental Assistant Certification (preferred)

-Prior experience working in a dental office or clinical setting (preferred)

-Proficiency in Dentrix or similar dental software

-Knowledge of dental radiography and infection control standards

-Strong communication and patient service skills

-Ability to work collaboratively within a team-oriented environment

Benefits:

-Comprehensive Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)

-401(k) Retirement Plan

-Paid Time Off : 2 weeks annually

-Paid Sick Leave : 7 days annually

-11 Paid Federal Holidays