Dental Assistant

GREAT RIVERS DENTAL LLC; East Alton (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Competitive pay

401(k) matching

PTO & holidays

Medical, dental, vision

Training & growth

Job summary

Great Rivers Dental in East Alton, IL is seeking a Dental Assistant to join our patient‑first team. You will work side‑by‑side with dentists and hygienists, assisting chairside, preparing rooms, taking radiographs, and helping maintain safety and records.

We offer hands‑on training, competitive pay starting at $18–$20/hour, and a clear path to advancement with our Skill Mastery system. Up to $4,000 sign‑on for experienced assistants and comprehensive benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• Dental Assistant certification or 1–2 years of relevant clinical experience preferred but not required — we provide comprehensive, hands‑on training.
• Knowledge of assisting techniques, x‑rays, infection control, or expanded functions is a plus — willingness to learn.
• Tech‑savvy with modern dental technology; training provided for Open Dental or related tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist chairside during a wide variety of dental procedures
• Prepare and disinfect treatment rooms and instruments
• Take radiographs and 3D scans in alignment with clinical protocol
• Perform expanded functions (sealants, coronal polishing, nitrous monitoring) if certified
• Educate and reassure patients about treatments and procedures
• Maintain accurate patient records and treatment notes
• Ensure compliance with infection control, OSHA, HIPAA, and safety standards
• Support lab case management, sterilization, equipment maintenance, and daily operations

Skills

Dental Assistant Certification

Clinical Experience 1-2 years

Tools

Open Dental

Dental Intelligence

Job description

Description

Up to $4,000 Sign On Bonus for qualified full-time hires!

Support with Skill. Care with Heart. Grow with Us.

At Great Rivers Dental, we believe dental care is personal — and exceptional patient experiences start with a compassionate, skilled team. We’re looking for a Dental Assistant to join our collaborative, patient-first environment in East Alton, IL.

If you’re detail-oriented, compassionate, and eager to make a difference in people’s lives, we’d love to meet you — whether you have dental experience or are brand new to the field!

At Great Rivers Dental, we provide comprehensive, hands-on training and mentorship to help you grow your skills and confidence as part of a supportive, patient-centered team.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT HERE:

A Values-Driven Culture

Our Core Focus is to empower people to confidently reach their full potential through exceptional and compassionate dental care. Every member of our team plays an important role in making that possible, and we live out our Core Values every day:

• Patient Centered – We show compassion, clarity, anticipation, follow-through, and respect in every interaction.
• Always Learning, Always Improving – We embrace curiosity, feedback, ownership, growth, and sharing.
• One Trusted Team – We value support, respect, communication, recognition, and dependability.
• Choose Positivity, Take Initiative – We bring solutions, encouragement, initiative, enthusiasm, and action to our work.
• Do What’s Right – We lead with honesty, privacy, accountability, courage, and integrity.
• A Hands-On Role with Real Impact

You’ll work side-by-side with dentists and hygienists to deliver high-quality clinical care — ensuring patients feel supported every step of the way.

Growth and Development Opportunities

We invest in your future with:

• Continuing education and certification support
• Cross-training and skill expansion
• Career advancement within a growing dental group
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits
• Up to $4,000 Sign-On Bonus for experienced Dental Assistants
• Earn up to $27.50/hour as you grow your skills! - Our Dental Assistants start at $18–$20/hour, and can increase their hourly rate through our Skill Mastery system. Each demonstrated, validated skill adds to your pay—no guessing, no waiting for annual reviews. You control your earning potential.
• 401(k) with matching
• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Additional incentives and team bonuses

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Assist chairside during a wide variety of dental procedures
• Prepare and disinfect treatment rooms and instruments
• Take radiographs and 3D scans in alignment with clinical protocol
• Perform expanded functions (sealants, coronal polishing, nitrous monitoring) if certified
• Educate and reassure patients about treatments and procedures
• Maintain accurate patient records and treatment notes
• Ensure compliance with infection control, OSHA, HIPAA, and safety standards
• Support lab case management, sterilization, equipment maintenance, and daily operations

Requirements

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

Preferred (not required):

• Experience & Credentials: Dental Assistant certification or 1–2 years of relevant clinical experience preferred but not required — we provide comprehensive, hands‑on training for the right candidate.
• Clinical Skills: Knowledge of assisting techniques, x-rays, infection control, or expanded functions is a plus — or a strong desire to learn and grow in these areas.
• Tech‑Savvy: Experience with Open Dental, Dental Intelligence, or modern dental technology preferred, but we’ll train you if you’re eager to learn.

Requirements:

• Reliable & Detail-Oriented: You show up prepared, organized, and committed to excellence.
• Team Player: You collaborate with respect, communicate clearly, and help others succeed.
• Adaptable & Positive: You stay composed under pressure and bring enthusiasm to every day.
• Growth Mindset: You embrace feedback, seek opportunities to learn, and take initiative in your professional development.

Join Our Family!

If you’re looking for a workplace where you can use your skills, grow your career, and be part of a team that genuinely cares about people — Great Rivers Dental is the place for you.