Dental Assistant

The Center for Discovery; Harris (NY); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Center for Discovery’s Discovery Health Center is seeking a compassionate Dental Assistant to support dentists and hygienists in delivering patient-centered care. You’ll prepare treatment rooms, assist during procedures, and help ensure comfort and safety for individuals with developmental disabilities.

The role emphasizes infection control, accurate documentation, and collaboration within an interdisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Graduation from an accredited Dental Assistant program.
• Knowledge of dental procedures, infection control, and sterilization practices.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists and dental hygienists during examinations, treatments, and dental procedures.
• Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, equipment, and materials to ensure each visit is safe and efficient.
• Help prepare and position patients for dental procedures while prioritizing comfort, dignity, and individual needs.
• Provide chairside assistance, including passing instruments and materials while maintaining proper sterile technique.
• Help create a positive, reassuring experience for patients throughout their dental visits.
• Support efficient patient flow and coordinate with the dental team as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Graduation from accredited Dental Assistant program

Tools

Electronic health records

Job description

Brief Description

Make a Difference Through Compassionate Dental Care

Brief Description

Make a Difference Through Compassionate Dental Care

At The Center for Discovery’s Discovery Health Center, we believe everyone deserves access to quality, compassionate healthcare. As a Dental Assistant, you’ll play an important role in helping individuals receive the dental care they need in a supportive, respectful, and patient-centered environment.

Working alongside dentists and dental hygienists, you’ll help ensure each visit runs smoothly, from preparing treatment rooms and assisting with procedures to supporting patient comfort and maintaining a safe, clean clinical environment. This is an opportunity to use your dental skills to make a meaningful difference in the health, comfort, and well-being of the individuals we support, including people with developmental disabilities and complex medical needs.

What You’ll Do

Clinical Support and Patient Care

• Assist dentists and dental hygienists during examinations, treatments, and dental procedures.
• Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, equipment, and materials to ensure each visit is safe and efficient.
• Help prepare and position patients for dental procedures while prioritizing comfort, dignity, and individual needs.
• Provide chairside assistance, including passing instruments and materials while maintaining proper sterile technique.
• Help create a positive, reassuring experience for patients throughout their dental visits.
• Support efficient patient flow and coordinate with the dental team as needed.

Dental Assisting Procedures

Perform approved clinical functions within your certification level, training, and applicable New York State regulations. Duties may include:

• Taking dental radiographs and impressions and obtaining bite registrations.
• Applying topical medications, fluoride treatments, cavity varnishes, and fissure sealants.
• Performing enamel etching and assisting with preventive dental treatments.
• Administering and monitoring nitrous oxide analgesia when appropriately certified and authorized.
• Placing and removing matrix bands and rubber dams.
• Fabricating, cementing, adjusting, and removing temporary restorations as permitted.
• Performing mechanical polishing of clinical crowns.
• Removing sutures as directed and assisting with endodontic procedures.
• Supporting additional dental procedures within the scope of practice and applicable credentials.

Infection Control, Safety, and Clinic Maintenance

• Sterilize and disinfect dental instruments and equipment according to established protocols.
• Follow infection prevention practices, OSHA standards, and organizational safety procedures.
• Dispose of contaminated materials safely and appropriately.
• Keep treatment rooms clean, organized, and stocked with necessary supplies.
• Help monitor inventory and communicate supply needs.
• Report equipment concerns, malfunctions, or repair needs promptly.
• Follow New York State dental regulations, HIPAA requirements, and organizational policies.

Documentation and Team Collaboration

• Maintain accurate documentation of patient care and treatments as directed.
• Assist with scheduling and coordinating patient flow when needed.
• Communicate respectfully and effectively with patients, families, healthcare providers, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Protect patient privacy and confidentiality.
• Participate in team meetings, required trainings, and ongoing professional development.
• Perform other related duties as needed to support clinic operations.

Person-Centered Care and Professionalism

• Help create a safe, clean, organized, and welcoming healthcare environment that reflects each individual's needs.
• Treat every individual and family with dignity, compassion, respect, and professionalism.
• Follow The Center for Discovery’s Staff Actions and person-centered philosophy.
• Use sound judgment, demonstrate integrity, and contribute positively to a collaborative team environment.
• Support the health, wellness, independence, and overall quality of life of the individuals we serve.

Requirements

What You’ll Bring

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Graduation from an accredited Dental Assistant program.
• Knowledge of dental procedures, infection control, and sterilization practices.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Preferred Qualifications

• New York State Dental Assistant certification, with appropriate credentials required for designated expanded functions.
• Previous dental assisting experience.
• Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities or complex medical needs.
• Basic computer skills and experience with clinical documentation.

Candidates must be able to perform assigned clinical duties within the requirements of their training, credentials, and applicable New York State regulations.

Core Competencies

At The Center For Discovery, Our Work Is Grounded In Respect, Teamwork, And a Commitment To Helping Every Individual Thrive. We Value Team Members Who Demonstrate

• Putting People First: Recognizing and supporting each person's unique abilities, personality, preferences, and potential.
• Teamwork and Communication: Building positive relationships, sharing information effectively, and working collaboratively.
• Professionalism and Cultural Sensitivity: Demonstrating integrity, inclusion, equity, and respect in every interaction.
• Supporting Good Health: Promoting health, wellness, and positive outcomes through quality care.
• Adaptability: Responding thoughtfully to changing needs, competing priorities, and evolving situations.

Physical Requirements

• Wearing personal protective equipment, including N95 respirators when required.
• Frequent standing and walking throughout the workday.
• Frequently lifting materials and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, with occasional lifting of heavier items.
• Frequent bending, reaching, and stooping.
• Assisting with patient mobility and wheelchair transportation.
• Providing physical assistance to individuals, including two-person lifting assistance when required by established protocols.
• Exposure to communicable diseases, dental materials, bodily fluids, and other clinical elements.
• Occasional exposure to noise and odors.
• Operating agency vehicles when required.

Work Environment

You’ll work in a clinical dental healthcare setting alongside dentists, dental hygienists, patients, families, and interdisciplinary healthcare professionals. The role requires attention to detail, organization, flexibility, and a strong commitment to infection control and patient safety.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

This description outlines the general nature and scope of the role and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may be adjusted as organizational and clinical needs evolve.