Dental Assistant

Commonwealth Dentistry · Ashland

About the role
We are looking for an experienced chairside Dental Assistant who shows up, takes pride in the work, and makes the day better for patients and teammates. This role goes beyond the chair: you will help patients understand their treatment, feel confident about the cost, and get on the schedule before they leave. Our offices run on full schedules, so every person on the clinical team matters every day.

What you will do

Assist the dentist chairside across general and restorative procedures
Take radiographs and impressions, and chart accurately
Set up, break down, and turn over operatories on schedule
Sterilize instruments and follow OSHA and infection control standards
Present treatment plans and explain the doctor’s recommendations in plain language, so patients understand what they need and why
Discuss fees, insurance estimates, and payment or financing options with patients, and help them say yes to the care they need
Schedule the patient’s next visit while they are still in the chair, so no one leaves without an appointment
Confirm upcoming appointments by phone and text to keep the schedule full and reduce no-shows
Fill openings and cancellations, and follow up on unscheduled treatment
Coordinate the handoff with the front desk so nothing falls through the cracks
Support teammates wherever the day needs you

What we need from you

Reliability. Regular, predictable, on-time attendance for your full scheduled shift is an essential function of this job. Patients and providers are counting on you.
Presence. This is a hands-on, in-person role. You are engaged, focused on the patient in your chair, and off your phone during patient care.
A good attitude. You stay positive and professional on busy days, take feedback well, and treat patients and coworkers with respect.
Team first. You jump in without being asked, communicate openly, and help the whole office succeed.
Comfort with money conversations. You can talk about cost clearly and confidently, without pressure and without avoiding it.
Ownership of the schedule. You schedule from the chair, confirm ahead, and treat an open slot or a patient leaving without an appointment as a problem to solve.
Professional presentation. Because we work inches from our patients, we hold a high standard for personal hygiene, grooming, and clean scrubs every shift.

Qualifications

1 to 2+]years of chairside dental assisting experience
Experience presenting treatment plans and discussing financial arrangements with patients
Experience scheduling treatment chairside, confirming appointments, and managing a provider schedule
Working knowledge of dental insurance and procedure terminology
[Radiography certification / state-required credentials: NC DA II, SC, or VA as applicable]
Current CPR/BLS, or willing to obtain it
Experience with Dentrix practice management software is a plus
Able to perform the physical requirements of chairside work, with or without reasonable accommodation

Physical requirements
The following are essential to chairside assisting and must be met with or without reasonable accommodation:

Sit or stand for extended periods, often 4 or more hours at a time, in a chairside position
Bend, lean, twist, and reach over patients repeatedly throughout the day
Use both hands with fine motor control and steady grip to pass instruments, suction, mix materials, and take impressions
Perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements for the length of a procedure
See clearly at close range, including small detail, depth, and color (for shade matching and reading radiographs)
Hear and respond to the dentist and patients while wearing a mask and working around equipment noise
Speak clearly to give instructions and explain treatment to patients
Lift, carry, and move supplies and equipment up to 25 pounds
Move quickly between operatories, sterilization, and the front office throughout the shift
Wear required protective equipment (mask, gloves, eyewear, gown) for the full shift
Maintain professional appearance and personal hygiene standards appropriate for close patient contact, including avoiding strong odors and fragrances
Work with exposure to blood, saliva, radiation, disinfectants, and dental materials, following safety protocols

Our hiring process

Phone screen, then an in-office working interview
We contact prior employers for references, including questions about attendance, dependability, and teamwork. Please be ready to provide at least two supervisor references.
Offers are contingent on satisfactory reference and background checks
New team members complete a 90-day introductory period

What we offer

Medical, dental, vision / PTO / 401(k)

Benefits

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