Dental Assistant I / II
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Skills
hipaainfection controloshapatient safetyspanishtrauma-informed carevital signs
About the role
Description
GoochlandCares is seeking a Dental Assistant I or Dental Assistant II to support the delivery of compassionate, high-quality dental care to our adult clients. Candidates will be considered at either level based on their experience, education, certifications, and demonstrated clinical competencies.
The Dental Assistant provides chairside assistance, supports daily clinic operations, and helps create a safe, welcoming environment using a trauma-informed care approach. Candidates hired as a Dental Assistant II also perform authorized expanded-function procedures under the direct supervision of a dentist.
Candidates who have not yet earned Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification may be considered for the Dental Assistant I position and must pursue certification during employment according to an established professional development plan.
Essential Duties:
The following job functions are essential to this role. Clinical duties are assigned according to the employee’s training, demonstrated competency, credentials, and scope permitted under Virginia law.
- Provides chairside assistance to dentists using efficient four-handed dentistry techniques that support patient comfort and safety.
- Seats patients, obtains and updates medical histories, records vital signs, and prepares patients for treatment.
- Takes diagnostic dental radiographs after meeting Virginia radiation certification requirements.
- Prepares, sterilizes, and disinfects operatory spaces, instruments, and equipment according to OSHA, CDC, and clinic safety guidelines.
- Keeps the dental clinic clean, stocked, labeled, and organized to support smooth and efficient operations.
- Completes routine equipment cleaning and maintenance and maintains required logs and records.
- Takes permitted dental impressions and accurately pours models for laboratory use.
- Accurately documents treatment details and updates electronic patient charts.
- Reinforces dentist-directed postoperative instructions and routine oral hygiene education.
- Assists with administrative tasks, including contacting clients, coordinating appointments, and supporting accurate dental coding and Medicaid billing.
- Assists with the orientation and training of volunteer dental assistants, as appropriate to experience and competency.
- Maintains the confidentiality and security of patient information in accordance with HIPAA and clinic policies and promptly reports potential privacy concerns.
- Collaborates with the Development Department to collect client, staff, and volunteer stories and photos with appropriate consent.
- Completes other duties as assigned.
Additional Dental Assistant II Duties
- Under the direct supervision of a dentist, and only within the employee’s authorized competencies:
- Performs expanded-function restorative procedures, including placing and shaping restorative materials.
- Takes final impressions for crown, bridge, and other authorized restorative or prosthetic procedures.
- Supports provisional restoration and prosthetic procedures within the scope permitted by Virginia law.
- Performs other authorized expanded-function procedures consistent with completed training, Virginia registration, and clinic needs.
Hiring Range
Dental Assistant I: $21–$24 per hour
Dental Assistant II: $24–$30 per hour
Requirements
The following represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the essential functions of the job.
Experience
- Dental Assistant I: Experience in a dental office or completion of a dental assisting education program is preferred. Candidates developing their clinical skills may be considered based on relevant training, transferable experience, and willingness to complete required education and certification. Experience with dental coding and Medicaid billing is preferred.
- Dental Assistant II: Two or more years of dental assisting experience is highly preferred. Demonstrated competency in expanded-function procedures consistent with Virginia registration is required.
Education and Certification
- High school diploma or GED is required
- Must meet Virginia radiation certification requirements before taking dental radiographs. Certification at hire is preferred; candidates hired without it must obtain the required qualification within six months of employment.
- Current hands-on CPR or BLS certification is required, or must be obtained within 90 days of employment from a provider accepted by DANB.
- Must maintain credentials required for assigned duties throughout employment.
Dental Assistant I Certification During Employment
- Current DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification is preferred but is not required at hire.
- Employees hired without DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification must establish a certification plan with the Dental Director within their first 90 days of employment, begin preparation during their first year, and obtain CDA certification within six months of meeting DANB eligibility requirements. The plan will account for prior education, qualifying work experience, and scheduled work hours.
- Progress will be reviewed regularly, taking examination availability into account. Any extension must be approved and documented.
- Earning CDA certification does not automatically change the employee’s classification to Dental Assistant II.
Dental Assistant II
- Active registration as a Dental Assistant II with the Virginia Board of Dentistry is required before appointment to the DA II level or performance of duties requiring that registration.
- Must have completed the education and competency requirements applicable to the employee’s Virginia DA II registration or qualified through a Board-approved endorsement pathway.
- Must hold and maintain the certification and other credentials required for Virginia DA II registration.
- Candidates awaiting Virginia registration may be considered for employment at the Dental Assistant I level while completing the applicable requirements.
Skills and Abilities
- 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 our mission.
- Bilingual Spanish skills are a plus.
Technical Skills
- Experience with electronic dental records is preferred.
- Experience with digital dental radiography is preferred for DA I candidates and expected for DA II candidates.
- Ability to learn and use clinic documentation, scheduling, and billing systems.
Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions
- Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, talking, and walking.
- Prolonged periods of repetitive movement, such as leaning over.
- Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds at times.
- Must wear personal protective equipment as needed, including masks, gowns, gloves, and protective eyewear.
- Occasional exposure to cleaning chemicals used for infection control and potentially hazardous bodily fluids.