When you walk into one of our CCHCI clinics, the first person to greet you after registering – the ones who take your vitals, explain what’s happening and make sure you’re comfortable is often a CCHCI medical assistant or a dental assistant. They’re the ones who keep the day moving, who remember your name, and who make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

At Chiricahua Community Health Centers (CCHCI), we’re lucky to have medical and dental assistants who go above and beyond every single day. People like Amy Barreto, a Chiricahua dental assistant, who recently caught a missing prior authorization before a treatment began, stopped everything to make sure the patient was protected. Or the team members who help train new employees and Cochise College students, sharing their knowledge and fostering a welcoming environment for the next generation of healthcare workers.

Medical and Dental Assistants don’t always get the spotlight, but they’re essential to everything we do. They bridge the gap between patients and providers, handle the details that make care possible, and bring warmth to what can sometimes feel like a stressful experience.

This week, we at Chiricahua want to say thank you. To our MAs & DAs in Benson, Bisbee, Elfrida, Douglas, Sierra Vista, and Willcox. You are the heart of the “Clinic with a Heart”!

What Makes a Great MA & DA?

If you’ve ever wondered what medical and dental assistants actually do, here’s a glimpse:

Taking vitals and updating your medical history

Taking X-Rays

Preparing exam rooms and sterilizing equipment

Assisting providers during procedures

Coordinating referrals and follow-up care

Answering your questions and easing your concerns

Making sure your visit runs on time

It’s a job that requires skill, patience, and genuine compassion, and our team has all three in abundance.

Has an MA or DA at Chiricahua made your visit easier?