Dental Assistant

Commonwealth Dentistry•Chesapeake, VA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for an experienced chairside Dental Assistant who is reliable, takes pride in their work, and helps patients and teammates have a better day. This hands-on, in-person role involves assisting with general and restorative procedures, helping patients understand recommended treatment and costs, and scheduling follow-up care before they leave. The office operates on full schedules, so each clinical team member contributes to keeping the day running smoothly. The Dental Assistant supports clinical procedures and patient communication, manages appointment confirmations and schedule openings, and coordinates with the front desk. The role requires consistent attendance for the full scheduled shift, professional conduct and presentation, and the ability to meet the physical demands of chairside work with or without reasonable accommodation. The hiring process includes a phone screen and an in-office working interview. Prior employers will be contacted for references, including questions about attendance, dependability, and teamwork; candidates should provide at least two supervisor references. Offers are contingent on satisfactory reference and background checks. New team members complete a 90-day introductory period.

Requirements

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 or state-required credentials: NC DA II, SC, or VA as applicable.
Current CPR/BLS, or willingness to obtain it.
Able to perform the physical requirements of chairside work, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Regular, predictable, on-time attendance for the full scheduled shift.
Engaged, focused, and off the phone during patient care.
Positive and professional attitude on busy days; able to take feedback and treat patients and coworkers with respect.
Communicates openly, helps teammates, and contributes to the whole office’s success.
Comfortable discussing costs clearly and confidently, without pressure or avoidance.
Takes ownership of the schedule by scheduling from the chair, confirming ahead, and addressing open slots or patients leaving without an appointment.
Maintains personal hygiene, grooming, and clean scrubs each shift.
Able to sit or stand for extended periods, often 4 or more hours at a time, in a chairside position.
Able to bend, lean, twist, and reach over patients repeatedly throughout the day.
Able to use both hands with fine motor control and a steady grip to pass instruments, suction, mix materials, and take impressions.
Able to perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements for the length of a procedure.
Able to see clearly at close range, including small detail, depth, and color for shade matching and reading radiographs.
Able to hear and respond to the dentist and patients while wearing a mask and working around equipment noise.
Able to speak clearly to give instructions and explain treatment to patients.
Able to lift, carry, and move supplies and equipment up to 25 pounds.
Able to move quickly between operatories, sterilization, and the front office throughout the shift.
Able to wear required protective equipment (mask, gloves, eyewear, gown) for the full shift.
Able to work with exposure to blood, saliva, radiation, disinfectants, and dental materials while following safety protocols.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Dentrix Ascend practice management software.

Responsibilities

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.
Discuss fees, insurance estimates, and payment or financing options with patients.
Schedule the patient’s next visit while they are still in the chair.
Confirm upcoming appointments by phone and text.
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.