Dental Assistant

Prime Physicians; Santa Fe (NM); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

A reputable health care provider in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is looking for an entry-level dental assistant specializing in general dentistry and chairside assisting. This position offers a one-year contract with potential for extension. Responsibilities include providing chairside assistance, recording treatments in Dentrix, and maintaining a clean operatory. Candidates must have CDA certification and BLS, as well as experience in a CODA-accredited program. Benefits include medical and vision insurance.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a CODA-accredited dental assistant program.
• 24 months of dental assisting experience (or equivalent).
• Proficiency documenting in Dentrix.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive chairside assistance for general dentistry procedures.
• Accurately record treatments in Dentrix.
• Clean, package, and sterilize instruments.

Skills

DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)

Basic Life Support (BLS)

Proficiency in Dentrix

Ability to perform dental procedures

Education

Graduate of a CODA-accredited dental assistant program

24 months of dental assisting experience

Job description

Specialty: General Dentistry / Chairside Assisting

May Provide Assistance as Needed at:

Duration: 1 year contract with the possibility of a 4 years extension

Shift Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

License / Certifications:

• Mandatory: DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program; current Basic Life Support (BLS).

Education:

• Graduate of a CODA-accredited dental assistant program.
• 24 months of dental assisting experience (or demonstrably equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities).
• Proficiency documenting in Dentrix (dental charting & clinical notes).
• Comfortable supporting restorative, oral surgery, endodontic, and periodontal procedures; taking intra/extra-oral digital radiographs; sterilization/packaging; inventory and supply management.
• Able to stand, walk, sit, and bend for extended periods; work effectively with multicultural patients and interpreters.

Responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive chairside assistance for all routine general dentistry procedures.
• Accurately record treatments in Dentrix (charting and clinical notes).
• Clean, package, and sterilize instruments; ensure proper storage.
• Prepare patients and operatories; set up instruments for planned procedures.
• Operate dental x‑ray equipment to obtain digital intra/extra‑oral radiographs.
• Provide prophy/polish, topical fluoride, and place pit & fissure sealants as prescribed.
• Perform basic lab procedures (pour/trim models, fabricate occlusal guards).
• Take and record vital signs (e.g., blood pressure).
• Maintain supplies/equipment; inventory and requisition as needed.
• Deliver patient education on prevention and post‑treatment care.
• Keep the clinic clean and operable; perform routine equipment maintenance.
• Adhere to infection control, radiation safety, OSHA/IHS protocols; utilize required PPE.
• Work safely in environments with potential exposure to aerosols, nitrous oxide residue, curing light emissions, etc.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Contract

Job function

• Health Care Provider

Industries

• Hospitals and Health Care

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance