Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant

The UNM Department of Dental is seeking a highly motivated individual to work as a Dental Assistant. This individual will assist in the coordination of day-to-day patient care, records management, sterilization of instruments, and ordering / stocking dental supplies as needed.

The successful candidate must have the ability to work effectively and efficiently in an operating room setting and a large dental clinical setting, working with many resident dentists and other staff members.

Sign-On Bonus - $4,000

Minimum $21.44 / hr. - Midpoint $26.81 / hr.

Salary is determined based on years of total relevant experience.

Salary is based on 1.0 FTE (full time equivalent) or 40 hours per week. Less than 40 hours / week will be prorated and adjusted to the appropriate FTE.

Provides a range of clinical, administrative, and staff support to a full-range dental services operation. Assists in the performance of dental and radiography procedures; prepares and maintains dental equipment and supplies in accordance with established protocol, procedures, policies, and standards, and assists in the coordination of day-to-day patient administration, records management, and office support activities.

Minimum Job Requirements of a Dental Assistant :

High school diploma or GED with at least 1 year of experience related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Dental Assistant certificate from an accredited program. Current Certified State of New Mexico radiology license required. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification. Completed degree from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Please attach proof of education and licensure as indicated above

Duties and Responsibilities of a Dental Assistant :

• Provides chairside assistance to dentists and / or dental hygienists in the performance of dental procedures, to include operative, preventive, periodontal, endodontic, prosthetic, surgical, implant, and anesthesia procedures in both the general dental office setting and hospital operating room.
• Prepares, sterilizes, organizes, and sets up dental equipment, ensures that all dental instruments are cleaned, dated, and processed according to established clinic guidelines and standards.
• Monitors and maintains dental equipment, such as patient delivery units, evacuator systems, compressors, digital and traditional radiographic equipment, sterilizers, electrosurge unit, implant unit and implant instrumentation, light curing units, model trimmer, vacuformer and all other dental lab equipment, in accordance with manufacturers guidelines.
• Maintains compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, infection control techniques and regulations by reviewing dental material safety data sheets, statistics, labeling hazardous material, disposing of sharp and infectious waste, and maintaining autoclave sterilization log.
• Develops and processes dental radiographs in accordance with provider orders; assists in the monitoring and maintenance of radiation safety procedures and protocols with both digital and traditional methods.
• Follows and maintains inventories of dental clinic supplies.
• Follows and maintains all relevant federal, state, and institutional regulations, guidelines, policies, and standards for the provision of dental clinical services.
• Maintains and assists with computerized data and charting, probing, and digital x-rays.
• Maintains dental laboratory slips and checks in lab cases.
• Assists with training of student dental assistants and staff.
• Assists with taking patient's blood pressure and documentation.
• Assists with medical stabilization devices; transfers patients from wheelchair using a Hoyer lift or gait belt.

Why Join UNM Medical Group, Inc.? Since our creation in 2007, our dynamic organization has continued to grow and form strong partnerships within the UNM Health system. Modern Healthcare recognizes UNMMG in their Best Places to Work recognition for 2025. We ASPIRE to incorporate the following values into all aspects of our culture and work : we always demonstrate an Attitude of Service with Positivity, Integrity and Respect as we strive for Excellence. We are dedicated to embracing and promoting diversity while fostering well-being across New Mexico through cultural humility and respect for everyone.

Benefits :