Dental Assistant

Responsibilities

• Assists students or faculty during dental procedures
• Prepares for dental procedures by setting up instruments, equipment, and materials, and maintains a clean oral working area prior to, during, and post exams/procedures
• Coincides the inventory of dental materials with the dispensary and obtains and replenishes supplies on an as-needed basis
• Proactively informs providers and/or management of any issues with equipment, instruments, or supplies
• Auxiliaryly manipulates diagnostic radiographs on an as-needed basis
• Removes biohazard trash as needed
• Performs other duties in accordance with OSHA regulations
• Records pertinent clinic data including blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, temperature, diagnostic aids, and other in-treatment documentation
• Packages tissue and biopsy specimens and sends to pathological laboratory
• Serves, as needed, as chair-side assistant to licensed dental practitioners, and dental students (predoctoral, postgraduate, and residents) in examination and treatment of patients in all phases of dentistry
• Aids in regulatory compliance and stays abreast of new developments, techniques, and materials as they come about, and to ensure adherence to proper infection control protocol
• Tracks lab work, schedules patients, confirms appointments, triages patients, monitors patient/provider schedules, updates patient medical history, etc., on Axium system as needed
• Explains procedures to patients
• Participates in morning huddle

Qualifications

• A college degree (AS) with Dental Assistant experience OR a high school diploma with three to five (3- 5) years' dental assistant experience
• Knowledge of dental terminology and dental procedures
• Knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in dental care
• Knowledge of infectious control policies, aseptic techniques, supplies, and equipment
• Ability to operate dental radiographic equipment
• Proactive communication skills (both written and verbal), utilizing tact and diplomacy
• Exceptional customer service skills and professionalism in communications and demeanor
• Effective organizational and planning skills including attention to detail and follow-through
• Ability to take direction, and assess and prioritize assigned tasks, projects, and demands
• Adherence to confidentiality state, federal, and HIPAA laws and guidelines with regards to patient's records
• Ability to work equally and collegially with others consistent with a workplace of dignity and respect and EEOrules and regulations
• Experience with dental practice management computers systems such as AxiUm preferred
• Fluency in English; Spanish speaking a plus
• Registered Dental Assistant in New Mexico a must
• CPR Certification required