Dental Assistant (Part-Time)

Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry•Durham, NC

22d•Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for an experienced, reliable chairside Dental Assistant for a hands-on, in-person role. The Dental Assistant supports general and restorative procedures and helps patients understand recommended treatment, costs, insurance estimates, and payment or financing options. The role also includes scheduling treatment and follow-up visits, confirming appointments, managing openings and cancellations, and coordinating with the front desk to keep the provider’s schedule full. The schedule is either Tuesday and Wednesday, or Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. The position requires predictable, on-time attendance for the full scheduled shift, a positive and professional attitude, teamwork, confidence discussing costs, ownership of the schedule, and professional hygiene and grooming. Chairside work involves prolonged sitting or standing, repeated bending and reaching, fine motor tasks, exposure to dental materials and bodily fluids, and use of protective equipment. The hiring process includes a phone screen, an in-office working interview, reference checks, and a background check. New team members complete a 90-day introductory period.

Requirements

1–2+ 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 and state-required credentials for North Carolina.
Current CPR/BLS certification, or willingness to obtain it.
Ability to perform the physical requirements of chairside work, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Reliable, predictable, and on-time attendance for the full scheduled shift.
Able to work hands-on and in person, remain engaged during patient care, and stay off the phone while providing care.
Positive and professional attitude, openness to feedback, respect for patients and coworkers, and willingness to help teammates.
Comfort discussing costs clearly and confidently without pressuring patients or avoiding the conversation.
Ability to take ownership of scheduling and follow-up to address open slots and patients leaving without appointments.
Professional presentation, including personal hygiene, grooming, and clean scrubs each shift.
Ability to provide at least two supervisor references; offers are contingent on satisfactory reference and background checks.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Denticon practice management software.

Responsibilities

Assist the dentist chairside during 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.
Support teammates wherever needed during the day.
Maintain attendance, professional conduct, personal hygiene, and grooming standards appropriate for close patient contact.
Wear required protective equipment and follow safety protocols when working around blood, saliva, radiation, disinfectants, and dental materials.