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Periodontal Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

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Periodontal Assistant information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$10

$17

$21

How much do periodontal assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for periodontal assistant in Rio Rancho, NM is $17.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $21.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a periodontal assistant?

Periodontal assistants are dental professionals who work alongside periodontists to provide specialized care for patients with gum disease and other conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth. Their duties often include assisting during periodontal surgeries, preparing instruments and materials, taking dental X-rays, and educating patients about oral hygiene practices. Periodontal assistants play a crucial role in ensuring that procedures run smoothly and patients receive effective care for their periodontal health.

What does a periodontal assistant do?

As a periodontal assistant, you assist a dentist with routine checkups and surgical procedures related to gums, tissue, and bone. Your chief duties are to operate secondary and tertiary equipment and tools required for a given procedure. You also discuss procedures with patients, help them to understand the risks involved, and provide them with information about post-surgical care. In addition to these tasks, you provide clerical assistance at the dental office, including filing medical charts, answering phones, and scheduling appointments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a periodontal assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Periodontal Assistant, you need a background in dental assisting, understanding of periodontal procedures, and completion of a dental assisting program with relevant certifications such as CPR and radiology. Familiarity with dental software, digital radiography, and sterilization equipment is commonly required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a team environment are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure effective support to the periodontist, enhance patient care, and maintain a safe, organized clinical setting.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a periodontal assistant and how do they support the periodontist during procedures?

A Periodontal Assistant's daily responsibilities include preparing treatment rooms, sterilizing instruments, and ensuring all necessary materials are ready for periodontal procedures. They assist the periodontist during surgeries and cleanings by handing instruments, managing suction devices, and ensuring the patient is comfortable throughout the process. Additionally, they may take dental x-rays, update patient records, and provide post-procedure care instructions. Effective communication and teamwork with the periodontist and other dental staff are essential for ensuring smooth workflow and optimal patient care.

What is the difference between Periodontal Assistant vs Dental Assistant?

AspectPeriodontal AssistantDental Assistant
CertificationsUsually requires dental assisting certification, with additional periodontal trainingTypically requires dental assisting certification
Work EnvironmentSpecializes in periodontal procedures, working closely with periodontistsGeneral dental practice, assisting with various procedures
Job ResponsibilitiesAssists with periodontal cleanings, surgeries, and patient education specific to gum healthPrepares patients, sterilizes instruments, assists with general dental procedures

While both roles support dental practices, a Periodontal Assistant specializes in gum health procedures and works closely with periodontists, whereas a Dental Assistant provides broader support across general dental treatments.

What job categories do people searching Periodontal Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Periodontal Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

Infographic showing various Periodontal Assistant job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,249 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Dental Assistant I (Part-Time)

First Choice Community Healthcare

Los Lunas, NM • On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Job Title Dental Assistant I
Position Code: E01N Non Exempt
Department Health Center Operations
Location: Health Centers
Union Exempt: No
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
A. Position Summary
Under general supervision, 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.
B. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  1. Provides chair side assistance to dentists and/or dental hygienists in the performance of dental procedures, to include operative, preventive, periodontal, endodontic, prosthetic, and/or oral surgical procedures.
  2. 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.
  3. Monitors and maintains dental equipment, such as compressors, evacuator systems, radiographic developing equipment, sterilizers, and light curing units, in accordance with manufacturers' guidelines.
  4. Exposes and processes dental radiographs in accordance with provider orders; assists in the monitoring and maintenance of radiation safety procedures and protocols.
  5. Follows and maintains all relevant federal, state, and institutional regulations, guidelines, policies, and standards for the provision of dental clinical services.
  6. Orders and maintains inventories of dental clinic supplies.
  7. Interacts with and processes dental clinic patients; performs telephone triage, conducts patient interviews, and obtains prior approvals from third party payors.
  8. Maintains dental laboratory slips and creates and maintains dental records in accordance with established protocol and procedures.
  9. Prepares instruments for sterilization and storage in trays.
  10. Educates patients based on a sound knowledge of prevention and control of oral diseases; uses various teaching aids to effectively present the information to patients.
  11. Inventories and orders materials and supplies for the dental clinic.
  12. Contacts patients by telephone for return visits.
  13. Takes and pours up dental impressions under direction of a dentist.
  14. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements
C. MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  1. High School graduate or GED certificate required.
  2. Graduation from an ADA recognized certificate program is preferred.
  3. Bi-lingual English/Spanish is preferred.
  4. Work experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified is strongly preferred.

D. LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED
  1. Active license from NM Board of Dental Healthcare with certification required in:
  2. Dental Radiography
  3. CPR Certification must be obtained within first 6 months of hire and maintained.

E. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
  1. Ability to work as a team member within a clinical environment.
  2. Current knowledge of and ability to follow a full range of dental clinical procedures and protocols.
  3. Knowledge of Federal, State, and institutional regulations and guidelines for the provision of dental outpatient services.
  4. Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines.
  5. Knowledge of sterile procedures.
  6. Ability to operate, maintains, and troubleshoots a wide range of dental equipment in accordance with prescribed procedures and standards.
  7. Ability to expose and process dental radiographs.
  8. Knowledge of radiation safety procedures, standards, and protocols.
  9. Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control. Interviewing skills.
  10. Knowledge of planning and scheduling techniques.
  11. Knowledge of patient evaluation and triage procedures.
  12. Records maintenance skills.
  13. Knowledge and familiarity with compliance program. Cooperate fully and comply with laws and regulations.

F. Age of Patients Served
  1. Adult, geriatric, adolescent, pediatric

G. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS/WORKING CONDITIONS
A person in this position has sufficient time to complete most tasks although under pressure depending on patient and organization demands. There are frequent opportunities to relax from any physical exertion or to change position in work activities.
  1. Physical Effort and Dexterity: Good dexterity to operate personal computer, and basic medical and laboratory equipment. Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.
  2. Machines, Tools, Equipment required to be operated: Capable of using medical equipment, office machines and personal computers for word processing, data entry and retrieval.
  3. Visual Acuity, Hearing, and Speaking: Must be able to read computer monitor output and results of basic medical tests accurately. Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance.
  4. Environment/Working Conditions: Work is mostly inside a clinic in a controlled environment. Normal clinic safety precautions and practices are required. Position may require travel throughout the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Work regularly scheduled Monday-Friday, although weekends may be required to meet deadlines.