Dental Assistant: Radiography, Patient Care & Clinic Support

Indian Health Service; Winterhaven (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Indian Health Service is seeking a Dental Assistant to support dentists in restorative and surgical procedures, while maintaining sterile environments and radiographic safety. You will educate patients on oral hygiene and post‑treatment care, and help manage clinic operations and patient records.

The role emphasizes proper asepsis, radiography, and friendly patient interaction within a federal health system serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

Qualifications

• GS-3: 1-year dental assistant program or 1 year of ADA-accredited dental hygiene program with radiation health topics.
• GS-4: 2-year dental assistant or 2-year dental hygiene program with at least 12 semester hours in radiation-related courses.
• General experience: customer service, record‑keeping, and clinic maintenance.

Responsibilities

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

Education

One-year dental assistant program

Two-year dental assistant/dental hygiene program

Radiology exposure training (X-ray)

Job description

Indian Health Service is seeking a Dental Assistant to support dentists in restorative and surgical procedures, while maintaining sterile environments and radiographic safety. You will educate patients on oral hygiene and post‑treatment care, and help manage clinic operations and patient records.

The role emphasizes proper asepsis, radiography, and friendly patient interaction within a federal health system serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities.