Dental Assistant

Overview

The UNM Department of Dental is seeking a highly motivated individual to work as a Dental Assistant
. This individual will assist in the coordination of day-to-day patient care, records management, sterilization of instruments, and ordering/stocking dental supplies as needed.

The successful candidate must be able to work effectively in an operating room setting and a large dental clinical setting, working with resident dentists and other staff members.

High school diploma or GED with at least 1 year of related experience. Dental Assistant certificate from an accredited program. Current Certified State of New Mexico radiology license required. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification. Completed degree from an accredited institution that is above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

* Please attach proof of education and licensure as indicated above*

• Provides chairside assistance to dentists and/or dental hygienists in procedures including operative, preventive, periodontal, endodontic, prosthetic, surgical, implant, and anesthesia in general dental offices and hospital operating rooms.
• Prepares, sterilizes, organizes, and sets up dental equipment; ensures instruments are cleaned, dated, and processed per clinic guidelines and standards.
• Monitors and maintains dental equipment such as patient delivery units, evacuator systems, compressors, radiographic equipment, sterilizers, implant equipment, light curing units, model trimmer, vacuformer, and other lab equipment per manufacturers guidelines.
• Maintains OSHA infection control standards, reviews material safety data sheets, labels hazardous material, disposes of sharp and infectious waste, and maintains autoclave sterilization log.
• Develops and processes dental radiographs per provider orders; assists in radiation safety procedures and protocols for digital and traditional methods.
• Follows and maintains inventories of dental clinic supplies.
• Follows and maintains all relevant regulations, guidelines, policies, and standards for dental clinical services.
• Maintains and assists with computerized data and charting, probing, and digital x-rays.
• Maintains dental laboratory slips and checks in lab cases.
• Assists with training of student dental assistants and staff.
• Assists with taking patient’s blood pressure and documentation.
• Assists with medical stabilization devices; transfers patients from wheelchair using a Hoyer lift or gait belt.

• Sign-On Bonus - $4,000*
• Minimum $21.44/hr.
  
  - Midpoint $26.81/hr.
  * Salary is determined based on years of total relevant experience.
• Salary is based on 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week); less than 40 hours/week will be prorated.
• Competitive salary and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, PTO, and a 403b retirement plan.

Since 2007, UNMMG has grown and formed partnerships within the UNM Health system. Modern Healthcare recognizes UNMMG in Best Places to Work for 2025. UNMMG values include Attitude, Service, Positivity, Integrity, Respect, Excellence, diversity, well-being, cultural humility, and respect for everyone.

• Full-time

• Entry level

• Strategy/Planning and Information Technology
• Industries:
  Hospitals and Health Care