Dental Assistant — Radiography & Patient-Centered Care

Indian Health Service; Espanola (NM); On-site; USD 36,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Indian Health Service is seeking a Dental Assistant to support dentists in restorative and surgical procedures, maintain sterility, and help manage patient records in a busy clinical setting.

Responsibilities include radiographic work, patient education on oral hygiene, and assisting with clinic operations. This role requires attention to infection control, safety protocols, and documentation accuracy in a federal health service environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in dental assistance to general or specialized dentistry.
• Education options include 1-year dental assistant program or 2-year dental assistant/dental hygiene program.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Dental chairside assistance

X-ray exposure

Sterile technique

Education

1-year dental assistant program

2-year dental assistant/dental hygiene program

Job description

The Indian Health Service is seeking a Dental Assistant to support dentists in restorative and surgical procedures, maintain sterility, and help manage patient records in a busy clinical setting.

Responsibilities include radiographic work, patient education on oral hygiene, and assisting with clinic operations. This role requires attention to infection control, safety protocols, and documentation accuracy in a federal health service environment.