Dental Assistant - Grant - Adult Dental

El Rio Health•Tucson, AZ

About The Position

The Dental Assistant supports the delivery of dental care by assisting dentists and hygienists with procedures allowed under Arizona State Dental Laws and other duties authorized by providers and supervisors. The role supports El Rio Health’s mission to provide comprehensive, quality, affordable, and accessible health care. The Dental Assistant prepares patients and treatment areas, assists with clinical procedures, maintains instruments and equipment, documents treatment, and helps ensure safe, hygienic, and efficient patient flow. The position may support different providers and team members across qualified clinic areas and may take a rotational leadership role in managing patient flow. The role also includes communicating provider-directed treatment information and oral hygiene instructions to patients and families, maintaining compliance with applicable policies and standards, and contributing to a safe workplace. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, pregnancy-related limitations, or sincerely held religious beliefs and practices to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Certificate of completion from an accredited Dental Assistant Program and/or at least 3 years of chairside dental assisting experience; an equivalent combination of directly related education and experience may be considered.
Current Arizona Board-approved radiology certificate.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for health care providers.
Current, valid Level I fingerprint clearance card in good standing, or application for the card within seven working days after beginning employment; the job posting also states that the card or fingerprint receipt must be submitted before the hire date or transfer date and that a Level One Non-IVP card must be received within 30 days after the hire or transfer date.
Reliable transportation capable of meeting organizational operational reassignments during the workday.
If driving during work hours, a valid driver’s license and compliance with Arizona vehicle insurance requirements.
Undergo drug testing before employment and be subject to post-accident, reasonable-suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing in compliance with applicable regulations.

Nice To Haves

One year of work experience as a Dental Assistant.
Bilingual English/Spanish ability to speak, read, and write in both languages.

Responsibilities

Assist dentists and hygienists with patient care, including passing instruments, placing rubber dams, using air/water syringes and high-speed evacuation, taking preliminary impressions, and pouring and trimming models.
Support providers in managing dental and medical emergencies using authorized procedures, administering CPR, and following Universal Precautions and OSHA guidelines.
Record treatment and progress notes accurately, code service charges, and prepare or enter treatment plans according to policy and procedures.
Prepare patients for treatment by taking and recording blood pressure, seating patients, and getting them ready for providers at their appointed times.
Keep operatories, the dental lab, sterilization areas, and other work areas clean, organized, safe, and hygienic.
Clean, store, maintain, wash, and sterilize dental instruments, handpieces, trays, and sterilization units according to clinic procedures and protocols.
Work with providers and team members to maintain smooth workflow, including covering qualified clinic areas when team members are absent and performing other duties as needed.
Assist with patient flow and take a leadership role when assigned on a rotational basis.
Comply with applicable policies and procedures, including HIPAA, Compliance, health and safety requirements, infection prevention and control, and Joint Commission Certification standards.
Address and report safety issues or potential hazards and participate in safety programs, which may include assignment to an emergency response team.
Manage time effectively and contribute to expected productivity by working cooperatively with team members.
Capture correct charges, confirm scheduled appointments, and take initiative to seat scheduled patients, walk-ins, and emergencies; take measures to support a no-show rate below 5% and send no-show cards as needed.
Maintain smooth patient flow and support efficient use of provider and staff time; stock operatories with supplies, equipment, documents, and forms; remove outdated materials and notify the supervisor when items are low or out.
Relay provider-directed treatment information, instructions, directions, and consent information to patients, parents, or guardians; provide oral hygiene instruction and communicate treatment plans and fees accurately.
Use downtime constructively for tasks such as cleaning instruments, organizing, and assisting colleagues.
Maintain a valid driver’s license and Arizona-required vehicle insurance when driving during work hours; have reliable transportation for operational reassignments during the workday.