Registered Dental Assistant

Description:

Position Summary

The Registered Dental Assistant is a fully functioning chairside assistant responsible for independently supporting clinical procedures, enhancing provider efficiency, and contributing to a productive and well-managed patient schedule. This role serves providers and patients by delivering competent, reliable chairside assistance and performing state-permitted expanded clinical duties with accuracy and clinical confidence. The core purpose is to ensure seamless procedural execution, uphold clinical quality standards, and support a patient experience that is efficient, safe, and comfortable at every appointment.

Core Responsibilities

Level II: All DA functions, plus independent chairside execution and state-permitted expanded clinical duties.

Advanced Chairside & Expanded Functions

• Provide independent chairside assistance during restorative, preventive, and basic surgical procedures across the full range of general dentistry.
• Perform expanded duties as permitted by state regulation, including coronal polishing, sealant placement, radiograph exposure and processing, and preliminary or final impressions.
• Assist with restorative procedures by preparing and delivering materials, managing isolation, and maintaining a clear and efficient operative field.
• Anticipate provider needs during procedures and proactively prepare instruments, materials, and equipment to minimize chair time between steps.

Patient Experience & Communication

• Prepare patients for treatment, explain procedural steps in accessible language, and actively manage patient comfort and anxiety throughout appointments.
• Reinforce provider post-operative instructions, home care guidance, and treatment plan recommendations with patients following procedures.
• Support schedule efficiency by ensuring rapid, high-quality operatory turnover and keeping providers running on time.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation in the patient's record at each visit.
• Meet productivity expectations consistently and contribute to efficient daily schedule flow.

Requirements:

Education & Qualifications

Required Experience

• 1-2 years of dental assisting experience with demonstrated chairside proficiency.

Required Education

• High school diploma or equivalent; completion of a formal dental assisting education program or certification course.

Required Licensure & Certifications

• State credentialing as required (e.g., Registered Dental Assistant, Certified Dental Assistant, or state equivalent).
• Current radiography certification as required by state.

Preferred:

• Coronal polishing, sealant placement, and/or additional expanded duty certifications.
• Proficiency in dental practice management software.
• Strong provider communication skills and a consistent track record of supporting productivity goals.