Dental Assistant

The Smile Lodge Pediatric Dentistry - Clifton Park • Town of Clifton Park, NY

2d • 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 fast-paced, supportive, team-oriented environment. No prior dental experience is required; comprehensive on-the-job clinical and system training is provided. The role offers a full-time, four-day work week consisting of four 10-hour shifts, with office hours Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Starting pay is $20.00 per hour.

Dental Assistants help children and their families feel comfortable throughout appointments, prepare and maintain clinical workstations, support dentists and hygienists during procedures, document care, and coordinate patient flow. Registered Dental Assistants may also perform additional functions, including taking impressions and placing or removing space maintainers. Employees who demonstrate clinical skills and leadership potential may have opportunities to advance, based on 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 stay 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 from the waiting room and escort them to the clinical area.
• Engage positively with patients throughout appointments and help children and caregivers feel comfortable and cared for.
• Identify patient concerns and communicate them 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 during procedures, including instrument transfer, suction management, and patient positioning.
• Anticipate the dentist’s or hygienist’s needs to support efficient appointments.
• Reinforce caregiver understanding through benefit statements, educational handouts, and aftercare guidance.
• Review the dentist’s treatment recommendations with legal guardians in a clear and supportive manner.
• Accurately and promptly document clinical findings and treatment performed.
• Indicate next-appointment needs using appropriate scheduling descriptions.
• Support patient flow, manage competing priorities, and help keep appointments on schedule.
• Communicate proactively with teammates to coordinate care and prevent gaps.
• Engage patients during downtime while they wait for the dentist or hygienist.
• Escort patients and their responsible parties to checkout after appointments.
• Follow OSHA standards, use PPE consistently, and clean, break down, and set up workstations between patients.
• Keep the workstation clean, organized, fully stocked, and clinically ready.
• 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