Dental Assistant

Dental Office • Clifton Park, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Smile Lodge Pediatric Dentistry is seeking a reliable, motivated Dental Assistant to join its team at the Clifton Park location. The practice provides pediatric dental care in a supportive, fast-paced, team-oriented environment. No prior dental experience is required; comprehensive on-the-job clinical and system training is provided. The role is suited to someone who enjoys working with children, values teamwork, and wants to grow in a patient-focused dental setting.

This is a full-time position with four 10-hour shifts per week. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM–5:30 PM, with no weekends. Starting pay is $20.00 per hour. Dental Assistants who demonstrate clinical skills, leadership potential, and interest in continued growth may have opportunities to advance to Team Leader Assistant or Clinical Team Leader, based on demonstrated skills, performance, and business needs.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• Previous healthcare, hospitality, or customer service experience.
• Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) licensure or certification.

Responsibilities

• Welcome patients and families warmly, escort them to the clinical area, and help them feel comfortable and cared for throughout appointments.
• Identify and communicate patient concerns to the dentist or hygienist.
• Obtain and document consent for treatments performed during the visit, including fluoride, radiographs, nitrous oxide, and sedation.
• Take and document diagnostic radiographs as directed by a licensed dental professional.
• Prepare instruments, materials, and equipment before scheduled procedures.
• Provide chairside support, including instrument transfer, suction management, and patient positioning.
• Anticipate the dentist’s or hygienist’s needs to help appointments run smoothly and efficiently.
• Reinforce caregiver understanding with benefit statements, educational handouts, and clear aftercare guidance.
• Review the dentist’s treatment recommendations with legal guardians in a clear, supportive manner.
• Accurately and promptly document clinical findings and treatment performed.
• Indicate next-appointment needs using appropriate scheduling descriptions.
• Support efficient patient flow, manage competing priorities, and communicate proactively with teammates to maintain coordinated care and appointments on schedule.
• Engage patients during appointment downtime and escort patients and their responsible parties to checkout.
• Follow OSHA standards, use PPE consistently, and properly clean, break down, and set up workstations between patients.
• Maintain a clean, organized, fully stocked, clinically ready workstation.
• Maintain current CPR/BLS certification.
• Remain open to coaching and feedback from teammates and leadership.
• 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; and maintain certification through required continuing education.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED