Dental Assistant

The Dental Assistant performs chair side assistance duties in all phases of restorative, prosthodontics, surgical endodontics and periodontal treatments as provided in general dentistry.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Greet and guide patients through the clinic, ensuring a positive experience and efficient office flow.
• Assist dentist in all phases of general dentistry, including restorative, prosthodontics, surgical endodontics, and periodontal treatments.
• Prepare operatory, sterilize instruments, and maintain dental equipment in clean, operative condition.
• Perform chair side duties utilizing four-handed dentistry techniques, including passing instruments, suctioning, and retracting tissue.
• Take and develop intra and extra-oral radiographs using dental x-ray equipment.
• Conduct patient education on oral hygiene, post-treatment care, and preventive measures.
• Perform intra-oral procedures as directed by the dentist, such as taking impressions, applying fluoride, and removing sutures.
• Maintain accurate patient records, including medical history and treatment information.
• Manage dental supplies inventory and equipment maintenance logs.
• Ensure compliance with infection control protocols, OSHA standards, and other regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate specialty referrals and follow up as needed.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned by the dentist or dental director.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE/REQUIREMENTS

• HIgh school diploma or equivalent, required.
• Dental Assistant Certification from an accredited college or training institution.
• Radiology certification as required per AZ, State Dental Laws.
• Xray Certified as required per AZ, State Dental Laws.
• Coronel Polish Certified as required per AZ, State Dental Laws.
• Must obtain certification in Sealant and Coronal polishing within 90-days following successful completion of her/his introductory period.
• Must have three years of experience in chair side dental assistance.
• Must be able to work with confidential information and materials without betraying the trust of client/family and NATIVE HEALTH.

Standard Employment Requirements

• Must possess a valid and unrestricted Arizona driver’s license (within 30 days of hire if applicant is from out-of-state) with no DUI/DWI or reckless driving convictions in the last five years. No more than two at-fault accidents in the last three years. Must maintain a valid Arizona driver’s license during employment. Must be insurable under NATIVE HEALTH’s liability auto policy.
• Must pass a criminal background check and obtain a Class I Fingerprint Clearance Card within the initial ninety (90) calendar days of employment and retain a valid card while employed with NATIVE HEALTH.
• Must pass substance abuse testing upon employment and submit to random testing during employment.
• Must provide an updated immunization (IZ) record at the time of employment.
• Must have a current (within 12 months) Tuberculosis (TB) skin report upon employment and provide an annual update.
• Must obtain a First Aid/CPR Card within (90) calendar days of employment and maintain a valid CPR Card during employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of dental anatomy, related to oral anatomy, the technical method and procedures of dentistry and the working characteristics of dental instruments and materials to perform a variety of intra-oral procedures including restorative or teeth prepared by dentist.
• Knowledge and ability to recognize common dental disorders and conditions such as inflamed tissue and tooth decay to perform as directed by dentist intra-oral procedures, which treat these conditions.
• Knowledge of the front office functions.
• Skilled in operating and adjusting dental x-ray equipment.
• Skilled and dexterity in manipulating hand and mechanized dental periodontal instruments and placing materials in patient’s mouth to perform intra-oral procedures such as suture removal and application of rubber dams.
• Sufficient knowledge of prevention dentistry measures to instruct patients in the common causes of decay and in oral hygiene practices, e.g., brushing and flossing.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to greet all patients/visitors and staff in a positive, friendly, professional and customer-service-oriented manner at all times.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Native Health complies with all state and federal requirements, including EEOC requirements.