Dental Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

This position is located at the Jicarilla Service Unit, Jicarilla, New Mexico Area Indian Health Service.

Position Summary :

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Dental Assistant to support clinical dental operations and enhance patient care within our dental practice. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills, a commitment to patient confidentiality, and the technical ability to assist with a wide range of routine and complex procedures in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities :

• Adhere to all infection control and OSHA protocols as established by clinic policy.
• Maintain strict compliance with HIPAA regulations and internal confidentiality standards to protect patient health information.
• Provide chair-side assistance to dentists during all routine dental procedures.
• Prepare patients for dental treatments, ensuring comfort and understanding of procedures.
• Properly disinfect and sanitize dental operatories in accordance with infection control protocols.
• Set up operatory with appropriate instruments and materials before each procedure.
• Update patient records , including medical history and clinical notes in Dentrix, as instructed by the dentist.
• Take dental radiographs and ensure proper positioning and exposure.
• Apply topical fluoride and perform toothbrush prophylaxis for pediatric patients as directed by the dentist.
• Take alginate impressions and fabricate dental models and custom trays.
• Prepare dental lab prescriptions per dentist’s instructions.
• Monitor and maintain inventory of supplies and materials in each operatory.
• Sterilize dental instruments and equipment following established protocols.
• Provide patient education regarding oral hygiene, post-operative care, and other relevant topics.
• Assist patients with completing and understanding dental consent forms .
• Support reception duties on an as-needed basis, including patient check-in / out and scheduling.
• Record and monitor vital signs as needed for clinical evaluations.

Qualifications :

Benefits :