Dental Assistant

Overview

Provide high-quality and culturally appropriate dental care to patients. This position plays a vital role in improving oral health outcomes. Works within a multi-disciplinary healthcare team and supports the mission of promoting wellness in the Laguna community. Supports the dental team by performing a variety of clerical, clinical maintenance and clinical functions.

Responsibilities

• Perform chair-side assisting duties to include all routine dental procedures in general dentistry.
• Collaborate with patient registration/appointment staff to schedule patient visits and reminders.
• Chart and record all treatment and treatment plans rendered to patients and refer patients utilizing electronic dental record system(s).
• Complete dental laboratory work in compliance with the dentist’s instructions.
• Clean, package, sterilize and organize all dental instruments for proper storage and use or non-use thereof.
• Prepare patient and operatory for proper dental procedure including setting up the appropriate instruments for planned procedures.
• Operate dental x-ray equipment and intraoral cameras to take intra and extraoral radiographs and photographs, process and mount radiograph films using imaging software.
• Provide routine polishing, topical fluoride treatment and place pit and fissure sealants as prescribed by the dentist.
• Perform routine dental laboratory procedures including pouring and trimming models, constructing custom trays, fabricating base plates and bite rims.
• Take and record blood pressure. Review medical history with patient and alert provider to any changes. Create medical history documentation in Electronic Dental Record.
• Conduct inventory, ordering and requisition of supplies and equipment ensuring clinic supplies are maintained.
• Compile and produce a variety of recurring reports related to dental activities such as infection control logs.
• Educate and instruct patients in prevention of oral disease and in post-treatment procedures.
• Maintain the dental clinic in a clean and operative condition.
• Provide routine and preventative maintenance on all dental equipment.
• Maintain on-line and paper Safety Data Sheets.
• Cross-train and assist with clerical office duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• One (1) year of professional clinical experience as a Dental Assistant. Experience working in Native American or underserved community preferred.
• High School Diploma or GED. Completion of Dental Assistant program from a U.S. accredited post-secondary institution.
• New Mexico Dental Assistant Certification or other state certification.
• Current BLS certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of patients in a diverse community.
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person and telephonically.
• Ability to interact with staff in a team environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of dental assistant principles and techniques as traditionally practiced.
• Knowledge of ethical standards for the delivery of dental care.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Knowledge of dental anatomy and terminology and the ability to properly take diagnostic radiographs.
• Knowledge and skill in adjusting and operating dental radiographic equipment.
• Ability to explain post-operative instructions and preventive techniques to patient.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Knowledge and skill in current sterilization techniques.
• Knowledge and skill in detecting syncope, shock or other reactions to dental treatment in patients.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in use of computer/information technology including computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment. Must include skills in Dentrix, MiPACS, RPMS or equivalent employee health record system.
• Evidence of the practice of a high level of confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential patient information and documentation.
• Judgment and decision-making ability.
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.

This position may be subject to a criminal history background check, a suitability background check and/or a credit report check. In addition, some positions are subject to a more extensive background check to ensure compliance with Public Law 101-630 Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act. Candidates must be able to successfully pass all required background checks and drug/alcohol testing to qualify for this position.