Registered Dental Assistant I @ Employer_25898

Position Description

Under direct supervision, supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment rooms, patients, instruments and materials. Provides assistance to faculty, residents and students in respective clinic in accordance with the State Dental Practice Act. Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules and regulations.

Texas Tech Health El Paso (TTEP) is not considering application from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those with H1B visas or those currently on student or postgraduate visas.

Additionally, this position is not eligible for remote or hybrid opportunities. All work is required to be performed onside at TTEP.

Major/Essential Functions

• Special Needs Patient Care: Demonstrate exceptional patience and understanding when working with patients with autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental disabilities. Employ behavior management techniques and de-escalation strategies. Adapt communication methods to meet individual patient needs (visual aids, simple language, sign language basics). Assist with patient positioning and mobility for those with physical limitations. Coordinate with caregivers and family members to ensure comprehensive care. Implement individualized care plans and accommodate sensory sensitivities.
• Patient and Family Support: Educate patients and caregivers on oral hygiene techniques adapted for special needs. Provide pre-visit preparation materials and social stories when appropriate. Maintain a calm, supportive environment that reduces anxiety and promotes cooperation. Assist with scheduling follow-up appointments and treatment planning discussions.
• Prepare and maintain dental instruments, materials and equipment. Collect and record patient health histories (dental and medical) and record information for dentist’s reference prior to examination.
• Assist dentist chair-side by organizing and preparing instruments for dentist’s use and assisting as needed during procedures.
• Diagnostic Records: Capture high-quality diagnostic records, including intraoral scans,digital photography, and radiographic imaging (panoramic, cephalometric, and CBCT).
• Utilize axiUm Electronic Health Record (EHR) technology and equipment in the collection of patient data, records management and collections.
• Demonstrate knowledge of clinic infection control procedures, cleaning and sterilization of instruments, tray setup and materials.
• Ensures that adequate quantities of supplies are on hand to perform the necessary treatment procedures.
• Responsible for the orderly appearance of the dental/hygiene operatories.
• In cooperation with the Patient Service Specialists, responsible for filling and maintaining an efficient and effective Dental Schedule. Follow through with post-visit duties.
• Remains current with all licensure, certifications and mandatory compliances and trainings required of this position.
• Adhere to all policies, procedures and practices (Regents Rules, TTUS, HSECEP OPs, etc.).
• Personally, and consistently, demonstrate display and act in accordance with TTUHSC EP's Values (Service, Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Advancement, and Teamwork). Serve as a Value's leader while actively promoting and encouraging staff across the institution.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School or equivalent.
• One (1) year of related experience or completion of an approved dental assistant course is required.
• Dental Assistant registry with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Emergency Oxygen (O) Certification a plus.
• Clinical Knowledge: Knowledge of dental instruments, sterilization techniques, and dental x-ray examination.
• Software: Demonstrated proficiency with axiUm and/or other EHR management programs.
• Administrative: Experience in dental financial counseling or billing.
• Communication: Bilingual (English/Spanish) to serve the diverse border populations of the El Paso region.
• Environment: Familiarity with Special Needs patients and academic or teaching clinic environments.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Jeanne Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a federal statute requiring colleges and universities participating in federal financial aid programs to maintain and disclose campus crime statistics and security information. By October 1 of each year, institutions must publish and distribute their Annual Campus Security Policy & Crime Statistics Report (ASR) to current and prospective students and employees. To view this report, visit the TTUHSC Clery Act website at https://www.ttuhsc.edu/compliance/clery-report.aspx.

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as, the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan on the Human Resources webpage.