Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant / Medical Records Specialist – Diego Garcia

Job Responsibilities

As a Dental Assistant and Medical Records Specialist, you will play a critical role in maintaining the health and readiness of personnel stationed on Diego Garcia. Your responsibilities include:

• Create and maintain individual Medical/Dental records for employees arriving on Diego Garcia, ensuring accuracy and compliance with all established requirements.
• Assemble medical and dental documentation for each record, including pre-employment physicals, medical history, occupational injuries or diseases, physical examinations, pre-employment dental evaluations, x-rays, and dental treatment records for care received before and during employment on Diego Garcia.
• Ensure all dental records are complete, up‑to‑date, and maintained for the entire term of an employee’s service on Diego Garcia.
• Clearly mark Medical/Dental records with key patient information on the outside of each jacket, including allergies, blood type, and involvement in occupational surveillance programs, including dates of enrollment or removal.
• Enter, organize, and maintain patient dental care documentation, ensuring compliance with all U.S. government regulations and policies related to medical/dental records.
• Support dental practitioners during patient visits by preparing tools, sterilizing instruments, and maintaining treatment rooms for hygiene and efficiency.
• Assist the dentist in performing procedures, ensuring comfort and safety for patients while providing chairside assistance and instrument preparation.
• Capture and develop x-ray images of patients’ teeth in accordance with proper safety and quality protocols.
• Provide basic patient communication, including answering questions about dental procedures, oral hygiene guidance, and post‑treatment care instructions.
• Maintain an inventory of dental supplies and request replacements as needed, ensuring all required items remain stocked for operations.
• Help maintain an overall clean and organized dental clinic environment, complying with all health, safety, and infection control standards.
• Work collaboratively with medical and administrative staff to ensure continuity of care and efficiency of operations.
• Provide the Government access to dental and medical records for inspection or review as requested.

Minimum Requirements

• Certification or diploma in Dental Assisting or a related field.
• 1‑3 years of experience as a Dental Assistant, including chairside assisting, x‑rays, and familiarity with dental procedures.
• Proficient in maintaining accurate and detailed medical and dental records.
• Knowledge of dental instruments, equipment sterilization, and infection control practices.
• Proficiency in collecting patient histories and providing pre‑ and post‑treatment instructions.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail to prepare and update medical/dental records accurately.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact professionally with patients, dentists, and medical staff.
• Basic computer skills to maintain and update electronic and physical records.
• Must be in possession of a valid passport and be able to travel internationally.
• Passport must be valid for a minimum of one (1) year or more at the time of hiring.
• Ability to successfully pass contract medical requirements and maintain requirements for the duration of deployment.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain facility credentials/authorization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in an austere OCONUS environment (Outside the Continental United States) with a multi‑national workforce.
• Valid country driver’s license and passport.
• Country visa as required in line with the U.S. Department of State Foreign Clearance Guide.
• CPR certification or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Familiarity with maintaining medical and dental records for government or military programs in compliance with HIPAA regulations and other applicable standards.
• Knowledge of NAVMED or similar military medical record systems.
• Experience providing dental support in a U.S. government or military clinic setting.