Dental Assistant I

First Choice Community Healthcare INC•Los Lunas, NM

15d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Dental Assistant I provides clinical, administrative, and staff support for a full-range dental services operation. The role assists with dental and radiography procedures; prepares and maintains dental equipment and supplies according to established protocols, procedures, policies, and standards; and supports day-to-day patient administration, records management, and office activities. The position provides chairside support to dentists and dental hygienists, processes radiographs, maintains equipment and instruments, supports patient triage and records, manages clinic supplies, and educates patients about prevention and control of oral diseases. Work takes place mostly inside a clinic in a controlled environment, with possible travel throughout the Albuquerque metropolitan area. The position is regularly scheduled Monday through Friday; weekends may be required to meet deadlines.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED certificate.
Active license from the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care, with certification in Dental Radiography.
Obtain CPR certification within the first six months of hire and maintain it.
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 dental outpatient services.
Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation according to established regulations and guidelines.
Knowledge of sterile procedures.
Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot a wide range of dental equipment according to 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 of and familiarity with the compliance program; ability to cooperate fully and comply with laws and regulations.
Sufficient dexterity to operate a personal computer and basic medical and laboratory equipment.
Moderate physical activity, including handling objects weighing up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four hours per day.
Ability to read computer monitor output and basic medical test results accurately, and communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from an ADA-recognized certificate program.
Bilingual English/Spanish ability.
Work experience directly related to the specified duties and responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Provide chairside assistance to dentists and/or dental hygienists during operative, preventive, periodontal, endodontic, prosthetic, and/or oral surgical procedures.
Prepare, sterilize, organize, and set up dental equipment; ensure instruments are cleaned, dated, and processed according to clinic guidelines and standards.
Monitor and maintain dental equipment, including compressors, evacuator systems, radiographic developing equipment, sterilizers, and light curing units, in accordance with manufacturers’ guidelines.
Expose and process dental radiographs according to provider orders and assist with monitoring and maintaining radiation safety procedures and protocols.
Follow applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations, guidelines, policies, and standards for dental clinical services.
Order and maintain inventories of dental clinic supplies, materials, and equipment.
Interact with and process dental clinic patients; perform telephone triage, conduct patient interviews, and obtain prior approvals from third-party payors.
Maintain dental laboratory slips and create and maintain dental records according to established protocols and procedures.
Prepare instruments for sterilization and storage in trays.
Educate patients about prevention and control of oral diseases using appropriate teaching aids.
Contact patients by telephone to arrange return visits.
Take and pour dental impressions under the direction of a dentist.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.