Dental Assistant

Overview

About UsThe Smile Lodge Pediatric Dentistry believes every child deserves to smile. We are a fun, fast-paced, team-oriented dental practice dedicated to providing exceptional, compassionate care in a positive and supportive environment. We’re looking for reliable, hard-working, and motivated individuals to join our amazing Dental Assisting team at our Clifton Park location!

No dental experience? No problem! We provide comprehensive, on-the-job clinical and system training to help you build the skills needed to succeed. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with children, values teamwork, and wants to grow in a patient-focused dental environment.

Schedule: Full-Time, 4 x 10-hour shiftsOffice Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:30 PMStarting Pay: $20.00 per hour

What We Offer

• A four-day work week with no weekends
• Paid Time Off and Unpaid Time Off options
• Health and Dental Insurance available after only three months of employment
• 401(k) options
• Annual performance-based raises
• Comprehensive on-the-job clinical and system training
• A supportive, team-oriented culture
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development based on demonstrated skills, interest, and performance

Responsibilities

• Welcome patients and families from the waiting room in a warm, engaging manner and escort them to the clinical area
• Maintain positive engagement with patients throughout their appointments, helping every child and caregiver feel comfortable, valued, and cared for
• Identify and communicate patient concerns to the dentist or hygienist
• Obtain and document consent for treatment performed during the visit, including fluoride, radiographs, nitrous oxide, and sedation
• Take and document diagnostic radiographs as directed by a licensed dental professional
• Prepare the appropriate instruments, materials, and equipment before scheduled procedures
• Provide chairside support during procedures, including instrument transfer, suction management, and patient positioning
• Anticipate the dentist’s or hygienist’s needs to help create a smooth and efficient appointment
• Reinforce caregiver understanding through benefit statements, educational handouts, and clear aftercare guidance
• Review treatment recommendations provided by the dentist with legal guardians in a clear, supportive, and reassuring manner
• Accurately and promptly document clinical findings and treatment performed during appointments
• Indicate next-appointment needs using the appropriate scheduling descriptions
• Support efficient patient flow and manage competing priorities to help appointments remain on schedule
• Communicate proactively with teammates to prevent gaps in care and maintain seamless coordination
• Engage patients during downtime while waiting for the dentist or hygienist, delivering an exceptional patient experience
• Escort patients and their responsible parties to checkout at the completion of the appointment
• Follow OSHA standards through consistent PPE use and proper cleaning, breakdown, and setup of workstations between patients
• Maintain a clean, organized, fully stocked, and clinically ready workstation
• Maintain current CPR/BLS certification
• Remain open to coaching and feedback from teammates and leadership

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• No prior dental experience required
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Reliable, professional, self-motivated, and eager to learn
• Positive, patient-first attitude and a natural ability to create a welcoming experience
• Comfort working directly with children and their families
• Ability to stay calm and composed in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
• Ability to manage responsibilities independently while contributing to a collaborative team
• Must be available for a full-time, four-day work week

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous healthcare, hospitality, or customer service experience
• Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) licensure or certification
• Additional Functions for Registered Dental Assistants
• Take impressions for space maintainers and other dental appliances
• Insert and remove space maintainers
• Remove orthodontic arch wires and temporary cement, excluding temporary fillings
• Maintain certification through required continuing education

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced, clinical, and patient-facing environment
• Extended periods of standing and close proximity to patients during procedures
• Exposure to typical clinical conditions, including required PPE, sterilization protocols, dental equipment, and clinical noise

Growth and DevelopmentMotivated Dental Assistants who demonstrate strong clinical skills, leadership potential, and an interest in continued growth may have opportunities to advance into positions such as Team Leader Assistant or Clinical Team Leader. Advancement opportunities are based on demonstrated skills, performance, and business needs.

Join The Smile Lodge and help make every child’s dental visit a positive and memorable experience!

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