Broadlawns Medical Center·Socorro, New Mexico
The dental assistant provides clinical support to the Department of Oral Medicine and works cooperatively with dental staff to deliver oral care. Responsibilities include preparing treatment areas, assisting with patient care, and maintaining patient records.
The Broadlawns Medical Center campus includes an acute care hospital, primary and specialty care clinics, urgent care and emergency services, lab, radiology, dentistry, inpatient and outpatient mental health, crisis team, and community-based behavioral support services. Broadlawns accepts all forms of insurance and its approach to healthcare and quality outcomes earned a Level 3 rating from the National Committee for Quality Assurance, the highest achievable status for a medical delivery model.
We are a safety net hospital and our Patients are our North Star! With a dedicated staff of over 160 physicians and 1,600 employees, Broadlawns Medical Center ensures that our community has access to high quality healthcare that is coordinated, compassionate and cost-effective. We provide our employees a top-rated benefits package, supportive work culture, and more!
The dental assistant provides clinical support to the Department of Oral Medicine. The dental assistant works cooperatively with the Section Chief, Director and the staff dentists to deliver oral care to the clients of Broadlawns Medical Center.
Characteristic duties
Prepares operatory/clinic
Full areas for treatment activities by placing necessary instruments, supplies and equipment in the proper arrangement for the procedure to be performed.
Cleans, disinfects, sterilizes and maintains dental instruments and equipment.
Performs minor equipment repair, replenishes clinic supplies.
Maintains documents for equipment maintenance and instrument/supply inventory.
Assists dental providers at chairside and in special settings in providing treatment to patients with varying age-related, physical, psychosocial and cultural needs.
Provides patient education within the limits of standard procedure that is appropriate for the patient’s age, educational, physical and mental condition.
Clearly communicates with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds to include, but is not limited to, language barriers.
Maintains and completes patient records consistent with clinic policy and procedure.
Exposes digital dental radiographs, creates duplicate radiographs with traditional film as needed. Provides laboratory support, taking impressions, pouting and trimming study models and fabricating custom trays.
Performs direct patient care as delegated by the dentist in accordance with the Iowa Dental Practice Act including tooth polishing, vital signs measurement, fluoride application and primary impressions. Assists in completing referrals as instructed by the attending dentist.
Assists in the orientation of dental and dental assisting students and participate in instructional seminars.
Provides assistance to the dental hygienist as needed.
Attends department and medical center meetings and training programs as requested.
Assists with business office procedures as needed and as patients schedule permits.
Attends continuing education programs as required by license and to maintain skills.
Performs additional duties as assigned.
Performance standards
Provides consistently positive support to all individuals.
Completes clinical and administrative assignments independently in a consistently accurate and timely manner..
Provide positive customer service and maintains service excellence standards at all times.
Utilizes department equipment and supplies in an appropriate and fiscally responsible manner. Patient care productivity is consistent with department goals.
Demonstrates willingness and ability to function as part of the dental team.
Minimum qualifications
Current State of Iowa certification in dental radiography.
Current State of Iowa dental assistant registration.
Graduate from an accredited dental assisting program or one (1) year relevant work experience
#IND101
8a-4: 30p (United States of America)
Broadlawns Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Candidates must have current State of Iowa certification in dental radiography and dental assistant registration. A graduate from an accredited dental assisting program or one year of relevant work experience is required.
Market context
Dental positions in New Mexico often draw steady interest, especially when they include service to underserved communities and a full clinical credential set. These roles can be competitive because employers typically look for a DDS or DMD, a valid New Mexico dental license, DEA registration, and CPR certification, along with experience or commitment aligned to community care. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm licensure and DEA details before applying.
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