Dental Assistant – Patient Care & Radiography

Indian Health Service; Mescalero (NM); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Indian Health Service is seeking a Dental Assistant to support clinicians in restorative and surgical procedures in a federal healthcare setting. The role focuses on aseptic technique, radiography, patient education, and efficient clinic operations.

Applicants should meet education or training requirements including dental assisting programs or practical nurse training, with emphasis on safety, documentation, and teamwork in a government facility.

Qualifications

• General experience or familiarity with customer service and clinic maintenance duties.
• Education options include 1-year or 2-year dental assistant programs or practical nurse training.
• Specialized radiologic/dental assistant knowledge is required at GS level.

Responsibilities

• Assist the dentist in restorative and surgical procedures.
• Maintain aseptic technique and sterilize instruments.
• Expose and process dental radiographs following safety protocols.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene and post-treatment care.
• Support clinic operations, manage supplies and patient records.

Skills

Customer service

Record-keeping

Clinic maintenance

Education

1-year dental assistant program

2-year dental assistant program

Practical nurse training

Job description

Indian Health Service is seeking a Dental Assistant to support clinicians in restorative and surgical procedures in a federal healthcare setting. The role focuses on aseptic technique, radiography, patient education, and efficient clinic operations.

Applicants should meet education or training requirements including dental assisting programs or practical nurse training, with emphasis on safety, documentation, and teamwork in a government facility.