Dental Assistant (Part-Time)

Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry•Durham, NC

23d•Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for an experienced chairside Dental Assistant who is reliable, takes pride in their work, and contributes to a positive experience for patients and teammates. This hands-on, in-person role includes chairside clinical duties as well as helping patients understand recommended treatment and costs, arranging follow-up care, and supporting a full provider schedule. The schedule is either Tuesday and Wednesday or Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. The position requires regular, predictable, on-time attendance for the full scheduled shift; focused, phone-free engagement during patient care; a positive and professional attitude; teamwork and open communication; confidence discussing treatment costs; and ownership of scheduling and follow-up. Because the work involves close patient contact, professional hygiene, grooming, and clean scrubs are expected each shift. The hiring process includes a phone screen followed by an in-office working interview. Prior employers are contacted for references, including questions about attendance, dependability, and teamwork; candidates should be prepared to 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

1–2+ 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.
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, in-person patient care, with no phone use during care.
Positive and professional attitude, ability to take feedback, and respectful treatment of patients and coworkers.
Team-first approach, open communication, and willingness to help without being asked.
Ability to discuss costs clearly and confidently, without pressuring patients or avoiding the conversation.
Ownership of chairside scheduling, appointment confirmations, and follow-up on open schedule slots and unscheduled treatment.
Professional hygiene, grooming, and clean scrubs each shift.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, often four or more hours at a time, in a chairside position.
Ability to bend, lean, twist, and reach over patients repeatedly throughout the day.
Fine motor control and steady grip using both hands to pass instruments, suction, mix materials, and take impressions.
Ability to perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements for the length of a procedure.
Close-range vision, including ability to see small details, depth, and color for shade matching and reading radiographs.
Ability to hear and respond to the dentist and patients while wearing a mask and working around equipment noise.
Ability to speak clearly to give instructions and explain treatment to patients.
Ability to lift, carry, and move supplies and equipment up to 25 pounds.
Ability to move quickly between operatories, sterilization, and the front office throughout the shift.
Ability to wear required protective equipment, including mask, gloves, eyewear, and gown, for the full shift.
Ability to maintain professional appearance and personal hygiene appropriate for close patient contact, including avoiding strong odors and fragrances.
Ability to work with exposure to blood, saliva, radiation, disinfectants, and dental materials while following safety protocols.
Provide at least two supervisor references.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Denticon 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 patients' next visits while they are still in the chair.
Confirm upcoming appointments by phone and text to keep the schedule full and reduce no-shows.
Fill openings and cancellations, and follow up on unscheduled treatment.
Coordinate handoffs with the front desk so nothing falls through the cracks.
Support teammates wherever needed during the day.