Dental Assistant I / Dental Assistant II (CDA/QDA)
About The Position
Under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist and in accordance with Maryland COMAR regulations, the Dental Assistant provides chairside assistance and clinical support for patient dental care in fixed-site clinics and the Healthy Smiles in Motion (HSIM) mobile dental unit. The role collaborates with the dental team to promote high-quality patient care and support the vision, mission, goals, and objectives of Family Healthcare of Hagerstown. Placement as Dental Assistant I or Dental Assistant II is determined by education, certification, experience, and organizational needs. The position supports dental examinations and treatments, patient preparation and communication, radiography, infection control and sterilization, inventory, documentation, and administrative functions. Work takes place in a modern dental clinic and mobile dental unit, with regular interaction with patients, families, dentists, staff, students, and community partners. The role may involve exposure to bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, bodily fluids, ionizing radiation, nitrous oxide, sharp instruments, hazardous chemicals, and elevated noise levels. Appropriate protective equipment and adherence to applicable safety standards are required.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Current BLS certification.
- Maryland Dental Radiation Technologist certification.
- Proficient computer skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
- Commitment to patient confidentiality and excellent customer service.
- Ability to adapt to changing patient and operational needs.
- For Dental Assistant II: completion of a nationally accredited Dental Assistant program.
- For Dental Assistant II: current DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential or Maryland Qualified Dental Assistant (QDA) certification.
- For Dental Assistant II: Maryland certification to expose dental radiographs as required by applicable regulations.
Nice To Haves
- Graduate of a Dental Assistant training program.
- Previous dental assisting experience.
- Pediatric dental experience.
- For Dental Assistant II: one to two years of dental assisting experience.
Responsibilities
- Assist dentists during examinations, restorative procedures, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, and other dental treatments.
- Prepare patients for treatment and explain procedures appropriately.
- Assist with patient assessment and treatment planning as directed by the dentist.
- Anticipate provider needs and maintain efficient patient flow.
- Perform intraoral rinsing, aspiration, tissue retraction, and other expanded functions permitted by certification and Maryland regulations.
- Make and seat temporary crowns and bridges, place topical anesthetics, and obtain bite registrations when authorized.
- Calm, reassure, and communicate effectively with patients, including children.
- Maintain patient safety and respond appropriately to emergencies and crisis situations.
- Complete accurate and timely documentation in the Electronic Dental Record (EDR).
- Obtain dental radiographs in accordance with Maryland State Dental Board and American Dental Association guidelines.
- Operate and maintain digital radiography equipment, sensors, and panoramic imaging systems.
- Follow radiation safety and patient protection procedures.
- Maintain operatories and equipment using established infection control standards.
- Clean, disinfect, package, sterilize, and monitor instruments according to ADA, OSHA, and MOSH requirements.
- Monitor sterilization logs, indicators, and maintenance records.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment and follow safety protocols.
- Assist with inventory management and ordering dental supplies.
- Prepare and track laboratory cases and complete related documentation on time.
- Support scheduling, scanning, and other administrative functions as needed.
- Complete required reports, logs, and documentation accurately and on time.
- Maintain confidentiality of patient and organizational information.
- Foster positive working relationships with patients, providers, coworkers, and community partners.
- Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and adaptability.
- Follow Family Healthcare of Hagerstown policies, procedures, and safety standards.
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives and continuing education opportunities.
Benefits
- Accrued paid time off.
- Seven paid holidays.
- One Anniversary Award after the first year of employment.
- Eligible employees may elect health, vision, and dental coverage, with employee-only, employee-and-child, employee-and-spouse, parent-and-child, and family plan options.
- Company-paid Life and AD&D insurance.
- Long-Term Disability coverage.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- 403(b) retirement plan with company match.
- Voluntary cancer, hospital indemnity, and accident coverage, among other benefits.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
