Dental Assistant

Pascua Yaqui Tribe•Tucson, AZ

16h

About The Position

Under the direction of the Business Manager, the Dental Assistant performs chair-side assistance in all phases of general dentistry, including restorative, preventive, prosthodontic, surgical, endodontic, implantation, and periodontal treatment. The role works in a large clinical setting alongside ancillary staff and trainees. The position also supports patient reception and scheduling, maintains patient and treatment records, prepares and sterilizes instruments and treatment areas, operates dental X-ray equipment, coordinates dental laboratory cases, and participates in oral-health outreach. The Dental Assistant must protect patient confidentiality and follow standard HIPAA guidelines.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Completion of an accredited Dental Assisting Program.
Possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License.
Accredited Dental Assistant Program certification.
Possess Dental Radiography Certification or obtain it within six months of employment.
TB Clearance Card.
Hepatitis B vaccination.
CPR Certification within 30 days of hire.
Maintain a current Level 1 Arizona Clearance Card; failure to maintain it will result in removal from the position.
Knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized procedures used in general dentistry, including restorative, prosthodontic, oral surgical, endodontic, and periodontal treatment.
Basic knowledge of IV sedation, anesthesia, monitors, and delivery of care in a subconscious state.
Knowledge of dental anatomy and facial bone structure for taking diagnostic dental radiographs.
Ability to detect signs of syncope, shock, or other adverse reactions to dental treatment.
Knowledge of tooth names and numbers and tooth surfaces.
Knowledge of HIPAA requirements.
Interpersonal skills for interacting with patients, interns and externs, coworkers, supervisors, management, Council members, and the public.
Ability to exchange information and receive verbal and written work instructions.
Ability to operate and adjust dental X-ray equipment.
Ability to act on initiative according to established instructions and perform recurring tasks without specific instructions.
Ability to perform clinical support activities, including chair-side assistance and radiographic work involving sequential steps and processes.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and respond effectively to sensitive inquiries and complaints.
Ability to assess whether health education and prevention practices are sound, support program objectives, and are culturally sensitive.
Ability to fulfill health requirements of Health Staff and the state of practice.
Ability to operate office equipment, including a computer and related software applications.

Nice To Haves

Six months of experience as a Dental Assistant is preferred.
Knowledge of Yaqui culture, customs, resources, and traditions, or willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

Greet patients, schedule appointments, answer telephone calls, and route calls as appropriate.
Record patient medical-history information and route patients for medical tests and services when required.
Chart examination and treatment information as relayed by the dentist.
Maintain dental equipment in clean and operative condition and store supplies properly while maintaining adequate levels.
Prepare, arrange, and sterilize instruments, materials, and surgical trays; prepare the patient and operatory.
Assist the dentist chair-side in all phases of general dentistry by passing and retrieving instruments and materials, keeping the operative area clear with evacuation, suction, and irrigation, and retracting tissue, tongue, and cheek.
Maintain aseptic conditions during surgical procedures, stabilize tissue, and cut sutures.
Observe patients during treatment for signs of fainting, shock, or other distress.
Relay the dentist's post-treatment care instructions to patients.
Operate dental X-ray equipment to take intraoral and extraoral radiographs and develop and finish film.
Maintain recurring reports related to dental activities.
Pour and rim models from impressions and construct custom impression trays, base plates, and bite rims.
Coordinate dental laboratory cases, including shipping, receiving, and delivery.
Maintain honesty, dependability, and confidentiality regarding patient matters and adhere to HIPAA guidelines.
Participate in outreach events or activities that promote oral health and program objectives.
Perform other similar duties as requested by the supervisor or director.