Dental Assistant

West Hartford Family Dental•West Hartford, CT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dental Assistant supports the dentist and clinical team in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. This role is responsible for assisting during a variety of dental procedures, preparing and maintaining treatment rooms, and ensuring patients have a smooth, efficient, and comfortable experience throughout their visit. The Dental Assistant plays a key role in maintaining a clean, organized, and compliant clinical environment while supporting efficient patient flow and clinical operations. This position requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced setting.

Requirements

2 years of dental assisting experience preferred.
Knowledge of dental terminology, instruments, and clinical procedures.
Active X-ray certification/radiology certification.
Current CPR/First Aid certification required.
Working knowledge of HIPAA and patient privacy standards.
Basic computer proficiency required; experience with Carestack or similar dental software preferred.
Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Commitment to delivering excellent patient care and professionalism.
Ability to sit, stand, and work chairside for extended periods.
Manual dexterity to operate dental instruments and equipment.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Carestack or similar dental software preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist the dentist during examinations and dental procedures.
Provide chairside support and anticipate the needs of the dentist throughout procedures.
Prepare and sterilize instruments and treatment rooms before and after patient visits.
Ensure and assist in proper sterilization, maintenance, and organization of instruments and equipment for the practice team.
Ensure all materials, instruments, and equipment are properly prepared for each procedure.
Take and record patient information, including medical histories, vital signs, radiographs, and intraoral photographs.
Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation within Carestack software.
Educate patients on oral hygiene, post-operative instructions, and pre/post-treatment care as directed by the provider.
Maintain compliance with infection control, sterilization, OSHA, HIPAA, and safety standards.
Support efficient patient flow to help maintain on-time scheduling and a positive patient experience.
Maintain cleanliness, organization, and readiness of operatories and clinical areas.
Assist with inventory monitoring and notify leadership of supply needs as appropriate.
Other related duties as assigned to support practice operations and patient care.
Communicate clearly, professionally, and compassionately with patients and team members.
Support a positive, collaborative, and team-oriented work environment.
Work closely with providers and front office team members to ensure seamless patient care and scheduling coordination.
Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and responsiveness in daily operations.
Assist in maintaining consistency in patient care standards and workflows across the practice.
Provide support in covering operational needs as necessary to ensure smooth office flow.