Dental Assistant

On the Job Trained Dental Assistant - Enchantment Family Dentistry

About Enchantment Family Dentistry:

Enchantment Family Dentistry is a thriving, patient-centered family practice, proudly women-led and Indigenous-owned. We are committed to providing high-quality dental care in a harmonious and welcoming environment. Our team of dedicated professionals includes Dr. Frizzell, one hygienists, two dental assistants, an office manager, receptionists, and accounts receivable personnel. Dr. Frizzell grew up in Mescalero and Ruidoso and is very proud to serve her home community. It is of vital importance that everyone who works with Dr. Frizzell treats our patients like good neighbors.

We share a passion for exceptional patient experiences and comprehensive dental services, offering a full scope of general dentistry, including restorative, surgical, prosthetic procedures, implant placement and orthodontic aligner fabrication. We value collaboration, mutual respect, and a commitment to continuous improvement. We are committed to investing in our employees' growth, providing opportunities for continuing education and professional advancement. Our Mission Statement embodies the practice that we want to be known for and how we support our team members.

Position Summary:

We are open to hiring a "on the job trained" Dental Assistant that does not have radiology certification. This person would start at a lower rate and work closely with the other Dental Assistants and Dr. Frizzell to become trained and certified.

This role reports clinically to Dr. Frizzell and for time and attendance to the Office Manager. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated, experienced professional with strong clinical skills, exceptional organizational abilities, mature interpersonal skills, and a commitment to providing superior patient care. This role requires a proactive and vocal individual who is comfortable with having professional conversations to address workplace challenges.

Responsibilities for Assistant:

• Provide advanced four handed dentistry chairside assistance to the dentist during a wide range of procedures, including fillings, crowns, full-mouth restorations, extractions (surgical and non-surgical), implant placement, denture/partial fabrication, and orthodontic aligner fabrication.
• Take and manage digital radiographs and CBCT scans (if certified).
• Utilize intraoral cameras and a dental scanner for accurate diagnostics and treatment planning.
• Take high-quality dental photographs to document patient treatment progress.
• Assist with the administration of nitrous oxide sedation.
• Prepare and manage dental materials and supplies for each procedure.
• Assist with impression taking, temporary crown fabrication, and other restorative procedures.
• Maintain meticulous records of lab cases, tracking their progress from submission to completion, including communication with dental laboratories via mail and electronic methods. Notifies the doctor if cases are late/missing or appear clinically unacceptable.
• Manage and maintain all clinical equipment, including sterilizers, ensuring proper functionality and compliance with all safety and infection control protocols.
• Maintains organization of dental operatories.
• Participate in inventory management of dental supplies. Continually ensures that operatories are fully stocked and organized. Informs the doctor of expired or near expired materials. Proposes systems of organization as needed to facilitate efficient delivery of clinical care.
• Sterilize and maintain dental instruments according to OSHA guidelines and practice protocols.
• Assist with patient education and communication as needed.
• Present treatment plans to patients and garner acceptance. Coordinate with the front office to ensure payment will be collected. Make the process as seamless as possible so that the doctor can focus on starting the treatment.
• Presents professional whitening treatment options to patients.
• Participate in daily huddles, actively contributing suggestions and updates.
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment.
• Proactively identify and address challenges, communicating effectively with colleagues and Dr. Frizzell to advance the practice's efficiency and professionalism.
• Other Duties and Responsibilities as assigned.

Ideal Qualifications for an Assistant (can be trained on job):

• 3+ years of experience as a dental assistant.
• BLS certification
• Proficiency in digital radiography, CBCT scanning, and intraoral camera use. Experience with Dentrix, DTX Studio, Dexis, and Simplant software is preferred. Employee will be required to train on software applications to be efficient in this practice.
• Experience with tracking and managing lab cases
• Strong understanding of sterilization and infection control procedures.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills. Must be a vocal team player.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations.
• Demonstrated maturity and ability to handle difficult conversations professionally.
• Experience with dental aligner fabrication. Must complete training if no experience.
• Familiarity with implant and crown design planning software is highly desirable, along with experience in 3D printing techniques or a willingness to learn.
• Understanding of dental insurance procedures and assisting with treatment planning is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in taking high-quality dental photographs is required.

Compensation and Benefits for Assistant:

• Hourly pay: $18-$25, based on experience and performance.
• 40 hours of Paid Time Off (PTO) annually.
• Sick leave accrual in accordance with New Mexico state law.
• Free dental services for the employee and their immediate family (excluding laboratory fees).

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $15.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Free parking
• On-the-job training
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Uniform allowance

Experience:

• Dental assisting: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• X-Ray Certification (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Ruidoso, NM 88345 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Ruidoso, NM 88345: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person