Dental Assistant

The incumbent will assist and work closely with dentists and dental hygienist in dental procedures.

Department:

Health & Wellness

Pay Grade:

DOE

FLSA:

Non-exempt

Job Description:

This position is located in San Felipe Pueblo between Albuquerque and Santa Fe serving a community of approximately 3500.The incumbent will assist and work closely with dentists and dental hygienist in dental procedures. Will follow the requirements, goals, and objectives of the Pueblo of San Felipe dental program and the Indian Health Services P.L.93-638 contract requirements.

Duites:

  • Performs all routine and advanced chair side dental assisting functions under the direction of the Chief Dentist in accordance with the Pueblos of San Felipe Tribal Administration, New Mexico Dental Board and the Indian Health Service contract.
  • Under direct supervision of the Chief Dentist:  applies desensitizing medicaments, agents, dental sealants, and performs coronal polishing.  
  • Under direction of Chief Dentist:  orders necessary supplies and keeps dental clinic/operatory properly stocked at all times, maintains clinic/operatory area clean and in operative condition.  Properly sterilizes instruments and complies with OSHA and IHS standards.  Exposes processes and mounts intra and extra-oral radiographs. 
  • Under direction of Chief Dentist:  coordinates equipment maintenance for San Felipe Dental Clinic.
  • Performs all and any dental services with which employee was trained and licensed to perform under the New Mexico Dental Board and Indian Health Service contract.
  • Patient education regarding treatment plan and services that are diagnosed by the Chief Dentist.
  • Provides patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures.

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Utilizes the Indian Health Service Resource Patient Management System Software (RPMS) to input patients, patient    visits, make appointments, and make adjustment to patient insurance information.
  • Answer incoming phone calls, and makes appropriate dental appointments for patients.
  • Makes daily reminder calls for patient appointments.
  • Utilizes the New Mexico State Medicaid Web-Portal system to check for Medicaid eligibility.
  • Prepares and updates electronic dental records in Dentrix.
  • Creates electronic dental charts for new patients and updates any new information in patient in Dentrix software.
  • Clerical duties such as filing, making copies, etc.  Requested by the Chief Dentist.
  • This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by this employee.  He or she will be required to follow any other instructions or to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisor.

Qualifications:

Education:  HS Diploma or equivalent preferred.  Successful completion of a dental assisting education program that meets or exceeds credentialing standards.

Experience/Basic Knowledge: Prefer one (1) year of dental assisting experience.

Required Licenses/Certifications:  Valid driver’s license.  Currently Certified Dental Assistant in New Mexico or National Dental Assistant Certification (DANB); New Mexico Radiology Certification; Current CPR Certificate; OSHA and Blood borne Pathogens course completion certificate and HIPPA course completion certificate.

Physical Requirements: Must have manual dexterity to enter and retrieve data from a computer. Ability to sit and stand for long periods. Bends and stoops regularly.  Lifting and carrying is necessary to set up equipment for special events, clinics and teaching programs. The position may require driving to satellite sites and community members homes for home visits.

Preferences: San Felipe Preference, AI/ NA, and/or Veteran’s Preference.

Working Conditions:

  • Works in office. Sits for long periods of time and types. Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, radiation and other conditions common to a clinical environment may routinely be encountered.
  • May work after hours, weekends, or events

Dress Code:

  • The medical work environment requires maintaining a professional appearance as well as protecting staff and patients from infection.
  • Clothing should fit well and allow for proper range of motion.
  • Dirty, stained, wrinkled, frayed, and faded scrubs or other clothing are not acceptable.
  • Scrubs or business casual clothing is acceptable.
  • Shoes should be close-toed, no flip flops or sandals should be worn.
  • Hair should be pulled back, secured or covered to ensure that it doesn’t impede patient care.
  • Heavy perfumes, aftershave, or other strong smells are not acceptable as they may irritate patients with sensitivities. 
  • Uniforms or clothing should not be worn again without washing them to ensure patients and employees are safe from infection and cross contamination.
  • Jewelry should be kept to a minimum to avoid injury as it may get caught on something and it can also harbor germs.
  • Fingernails should be clean and trimmed. 

Additional Info:

Supervision and Guidelines:  Supervised by the Lead Dentist and Clinical Services Director

Guidelines include the personnel policy and department policies and procedures.

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