Dental Assistant I / II

GoochlandCares•Goochland, VA

12d•$21 - $30

About The Position

GoochlandCares is hiring a Dental Assistant I or Dental Assistant II to support compassionate, high-quality dental care for adult clients. Candidates will be considered at either level based on experience, education, certifications, and demonstrated clinical competencies. The position provides chairside assistance, supports daily clinic operations, and helps maintain a safe, welcoming environment through trauma-informed care. Dental Assistant II employees also perform authorized expanded-function procedures under a dentist’s direct supervision and within their training, credentials, and scope permitted by Virginia law. Candidates hired as Dental Assistant I without Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification must follow a professional development plan and pursue certification during employment. Dental Assistant II appointment and expanded-function duties require active registration as a Dental Assistant II with the Virginia Board of Dentistry and the applicable education, competency, and credentials. The hiring range is $21–$24 per hour for Dental Assistant I and $24–$30 per hour for Dental Assistant II. GoochlandCares is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a healthy, diverse, and inclusive culture. Its mission is to provide basic human services and health care to Goochland neighbors in need.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Dental Assistant I candidates must meet Virginia radiation certification requirements before taking dental radiographs; candidates hired without certification must obtain the required qualification within six months of employment.
Current hands-on CPR or BLS certification, or obtain it within 90 days of employment from a provider accepted by DANB.
Maintain credentials required for assigned duties throughout employment.
Dental Assistant I candidates hired without DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification must establish a certification plan with the Dental Director within their first 90 days, begin preparation during their first year, and obtain CDA certification within six months of meeting DANB eligibility requirements. Progress is reviewed regularly, and extensions must be approved and documented.
Dental Assistant II candidates must have active registration as a Dental Assistant II with the Virginia Board of Dentistry before appointment at that level or performing duties requiring registration.
Dental Assistant II candidates must have completed the education and competency requirements applicable to their Virginia DA II registration or qualified through a Board-approved endorsement pathway, and must hold and maintain credentials required for that registration.
Strong interpersonal communication and collaboration skills, with a caring, tactful, diplomatic, and respectful approach toward clients, staff, and volunteers.
Commitment to trauma-informed care and building trust with underserved adult populations.
Manual dexterity and attention to detail appropriate to assigned clinical duties.
Ability to proactively identify tasks and solutions that improve workplace efficiency.
Ability to balance competing priorities, adapt to changing work demands, and maintain accurate records.
Ability to recognize limitations in skills and knowledge and seek assistance to maintain patient safety and quality of care.
Ability to build and maintain relationships with volunteers and work effectively in varied care situations.
Willingness to participate in engaging volunteers to fulfill the organization’s mission.
Ability to learn and use clinic documentation, scheduling, and billing systems.
Able to lift up to 40 pounds at times and wear personal protective equipment as needed.

Nice To Haves

Dental Assistant I experience in a dental office or completion of a dental assisting education program.
Dental coding and Medicaid billing experience.
Current DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification.
Experience with electronic dental records.
Experience with digital dental radiography for Dental Assistant I candidates; expected for Dental Assistant II candidates.
Bilingual Spanish skills.

Responsibilities

Provide chairside assistance to dentists using efficient four-handed dentistry techniques that support patient comfort and safety.
Seat patients, obtain and update medical histories, record vital signs, and prepare patients for treatment.
Take diagnostic dental radiographs after meeting Virginia radiation certification requirements.
Prepare, sterilize, and disinfect operatories, instruments, and equipment according to OSHA, CDC, and clinic safety guidelines.
Keep the dental clinic clean, stocked, labeled, and organized.
Perform routine equipment cleaning and maintenance and maintain required logs and records.
Take permitted dental impressions and accurately pour models for laboratory use.
Document treatment details accurately and update electronic patient charts.
Reinforce dentist-directed postoperative instructions and routine oral hygiene education.
Assist with administrative tasks, including contacting clients, coordinating appointments, and supporting accurate dental coding and Medicaid billing.
Assist with orientation and training of volunteer dental assistants, as appropriate to experience and competency.
Maintain the confidentiality and security of patient information under HIPAA and clinic policies, and promptly report potential privacy concerns.
Collaborate with the Development Department to collect client, staff, and volunteer stories and photos with appropriate consent.
Complete other duties as assigned.
For Dental Assistant II, perform authorized expanded-function restorative procedures, including placing and shaping restorative materials, under a dentist’s direct supervision.
For Dental Assistant II, take final impressions for crown, bridge, and other authorized restorative or prosthetic procedures.
For Dental Assistant II, support provisional restoration and prosthetic procedures within the scope permitted by Virginia law.
For Dental Assistant II, perform other authorized expanded-function procedures consistent with completed training, Virginia registration, and clinic needs.