Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant Position

The Dental Assistant for Touro College of Dental Medicine's Clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico provides chairside assistance to faculty and student dentists during dental procedures and adequately prepares for dental procedures by setting up instruments, equipment, and materials. This role ensures that all instruments are arranged properly and in accordance with sterile techniques. This position requires OSHA training and is subject to exposure to blood and other bodily fluids as well as enforcing HIPAA regulations specifically when accessing Protected Health Information (PHI).

Responsibilities

Assists students or faculty during dental procedures.

Prepares for dental procedures by setting up instruments, equipment, and materials, and maintains a clean oral working area prior to during and post exams/procedures.

Coordinates the inventory of dental materials with the dispensary and obtains and replenishes supplies on an as need basis.

Proactively informs providers and/or management of any issues with equipment, instruments or supplies.

Assists students and/or manipulate diagnostic radiographs on an as need basis.

Removes biohazard trash as needed and other duties in accordance with OSHA regulations.

Records pertinent clinic data including blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, temperature, diagnostic aids, and other in treatment documentation.

Packages tissue and biopsy specimen and sends to pathological laboratory.

Serves, as needed, as chair-side assistant to licensed dental practitioners, and dental students (pre-doctoral, post graduate and residents) in examination and treatment of patients in all phases of dentistry.

Assists in regulatory compliance and keeps abreast of new developments, techniques and materials as they come about, and to insure adherence to proper infection control protocol.

Tracks lab work, schedules patients, confirms appointments, triages patients, monitors patient/provider schedules, updates patient medical history, etc on Axium system as needed.

Explains procedures to patients.

Participates in morning huddle.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Experience: A college degree (AS) with Dental Assistant experience OR a high school diploma with three to five (3 - 5) years' dental assistant experience.

Certifications/Licensures: Registered Dental Assistant in New Mexico a must. CPR Certification required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Knowledge of dental terminology and dental procedures. Knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in dental care. Knowledge of infectious control policies, aseptic techniques, supplies, and equipment. Ability to operate dental radiographic equipment. Proactive communication skills (both written and verbal), utilizing tact and diplomacy. Exceptional customer service skills and professionalism in communications and demeanor. Effective organizational and planning skills including attention to detail and follow-through. Ability to take direction, and assess and prioritize assigned tasks, projects, and demands. Adherence to confidentiality state, federal, and HIPAA laws and guidelines with regards to patient's records. Ability to work equally and collegially with others consistent with a workplace of dignity and respect and EEO rules and regulations. Experience with dental practice management computers systems such as AxiUm preferred. Fluent in English; Spanish speaking a plus.