Registered Dental Assistant I
About The Position
Under direct supervision, the Registered Dental Assistant I supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment rooms, patients, instruments, and materials. The position assists faculty, residents, and students in the assigned clinic in accordance with the State Dental Practice Act and maintains a safe, clean working environment by following procedures, rules, and regulations. The role provides care and support for patients with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental disabilities. This includes using behavior management and de-escalation strategies, adapting communication, assisting with positioning and mobility, coordinating with caregivers, and accommodating individualized care plans and sensory needs. The assistant also supports patients and families with adapted oral hygiene education, pre-visit preparation, anxiety reduction, and follow-up scheduling and treatment-planning discussions. The assistant prepares and maintains dental instruments, materials, and equipment; collects and records dental and medical histories; and provides chair-side assistance during procedures. The position captures diagnostic records, including intraoral scans, digital photographs, and panoramic, cephalometric, and CBCT radiographic images. It uses axiUm or other EHR technology to collect patient data and manage records and collections, follows infection-control and sterilization procedures, maintains supplies and orderly operatories, and works with Patient Service Specialists to maintain an efficient dental schedule. The role also completes post-visit duties, keeps required licensure, certifications, compliance, and training current, follows institutional policies, and demonstrates and promotes TTUHSC EP’s stated values. This position is performed onsite at Texas Tech Health El Paso and is not eligible for remote or hybrid work. TTEP is not considering applicants who require employment-visa sponsorship, including H-1B sponsorship or sponsorship for individuals currently on student or postgraduate visas.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- One year of related experience or completion of an approved dental assistant course.
- Dental Assistant registry with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
Nice To Haves
- Emergency Oxygen (O) Certification.
- Knowledge of dental instruments, sterilization techniques, and dental x-ray examination.
- Proficiency with axiUm and/or other EHR management programs.
- Experience in dental financial counseling or billing.
- Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills.
- Familiarity with special-needs patients and academic or teaching clinic environments.
Responsibilities
- Prepare treatment rooms, patients, instruments, materials, and equipment for dental care.
- Assist faculty, residents, and students in the clinic in accordance with the State Dental Practice Act.
- Support patients with developmental disabilities using appropriate behavior management, de-escalation, communication, positioning, mobility, and sensory accommodations.
- Coordinate with caregivers and family members and follow individualized care plans.
- Educate patients and caregivers about oral hygiene techniques adapted for special needs, provide pre-visit preparation materials when appropriate, and help maintain a calm, supportive environment.
- Assist with follow-up appointment scheduling and treatment-planning discussions.
- Collect and record patient dental and medical histories for the dentist’s reference.
- Organize and prepare instruments and provide chair-side assistance during procedures.
- Capture diagnostic records, including intraoral scans, digital photography, and panoramic, cephalometric, and CBCT radiographic imaging.
- Use axiUm EHR technology or other EHR programs to collect patient data and manage records and collections.
- Follow clinic infection-control procedures and clean and sterilize instruments; set up trays and materials.
- Ensure sufficient supplies are available for treatment procedures and maintain orderly dental and hygiene operatories.
- Work with Patient Service Specialists to fill and maintain an efficient dental schedule.
- Complete post-visit duties and maintain required licensure, certifications, compliance, and training.
- Follow institutional policies, procedures, and practices and demonstrate and promote TTUHSC EP’s values.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
