Dental Assistant

Rochester Regional Health; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Rochester Regional Health's Dental Group in Penfield, NY is seeking an entry-level Dental Assistant to support chairside procedures under a licensed dentist. This full-time role offers hands-on patient care, infection control, and exposure to routine dental operations, with on-the-job training and encouragement to pursue NYS registration.

You will perform chairside assistance, prepare treatment areas, sterilize instruments, manage records, and help with scheduling and room upkeep.

Qualifications

• Active BLS certification or within three months of hire.
• On-the-job training provided.
• New York State registration encouraged and supported.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Support & Chairside Assistance: prepare patients and treatment areas, assist in procedures using four-handed dentistry techniques, suction, retract tissues, and mix dental materials under supervision.
• Instrument & Equipment Management: sterilize and organize instruments, prepare trays, and maintain dental equipment according to infection control standards.
• Administrative & Operational Support: manage patient records (non-clinical), assist with appointment scheduling, inventory, and ensure treatment rooms are clean and stocked.
• Patient Interaction: escort patients, provide comfort measures, and deliver general instructions as directed.

Skills

Active BLS

Sterile processing

Job description

Job Title: Dental Assistant

Department: Dental

Location: Dental Group -2226 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14525

Hours Per Week: Full-time 40 hours

Schedule: Monday - Friday 8a - 4:30p

Summary

This entry-level role is ideal for candidates new to the dental field who want hands-on experience under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. While this position does not require licensure, it offers valuable exposure to patient care, infection control, dental procedures, and practice operations. We offer on-the-job training and support for those who wish to pursue formal education and New York State registration.

Under the supervision of a licensed dentist, the unlicensed dental assistant serves as a dental chair assistant, office assistant, and sterile processing technician, supporting our dental team in delivering high-quality patient care.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Support & Chairside Assistance: Prepare patients and treatment areas, assist in procedures using four-handed dentistry techniques, suction, retract tissues, and mix dental materials under supervision.
• Instrument & Equipment Management: Sterilize and organize instruments, prepare trays, and maintain dental equipment according to infection control standards.
• Administrative & Operational Support: Manage patient records (non-clinical), assist with appointment scheduling, inventory, and ensure treatment rooms are clean and stocked.
• Patient Interaction: Escort patients, provide comfort measures, and deliver general instructions as directed

Required Qualifications

• Active BLS or within three months of hire

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written communication skills with a compassionate, patient-focused attitude for routine interaction with staff, patients and visitors
• Prior experience in a sterile processing, general or specialty dental practice

Physical Requirements

Light - Clinical - Light clinical roles involve frequent standing and walking, with occasional lifting of light objects (≤20 lbs.) and routine reaching, grasping, and fine manipulation for tasks such as patient care, laboratory work, or specimen processing. Staff rely on strong visual and auditory acuity to accurately observe specimens, read instrumentation, monitor patients, respond to alarms, and communicate effectively with care teams. Cognitive demands include multitasking, prioritizing clinical and laboratory workflows, and coordinating with interdisciplinary teams. Emotional resilience is necessary due to frequent interruptions, shifting priorities, and the need for precise and compassionate interaction with patients and colleagues. Environmental exposures may include infectious materials, biological specimens, cleaning agents, sharps, chemical reagents, and wet surfaces. PPE use, TB testing, and schedule flexibility are commonly required.

For disease specific care programs refer to the program specific requirements of the department for further specifications on experience and educational expectations, including continuing education requirements.

Any physical requirements reported by a prospective employee and/or employee’s physician or delegate will be considered for accommodations.

Pay Range

$18.10 - $23.00

City

Penfield

Postal Code

14525

The posted pay range is a good faith representation of potential base pay for this position. It may be modified in the future and eligible for additional pay components. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates could vary based on position details and FTE. Pay is determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, experience, relevant qualifications, specialty, internal equity, locations, and contracts.

Rochester Regional Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.