Dental Assistant II

Great-Smiles; Sylva (NC); On-site; USD 45,874,000 - 63,094,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Smiles is seeking a Dental Assistant II to support dentists in a pediatric setting, ensuring safe, comfortable, and high-quality oral care for children. You will be involved in chairside procedures, radiography, patient education, and accurate record-keeping in EHR.

Ideal candidates demonstrate strong infection control, manual dexterity, and compassionate communication. The role requires teamwork across clinicians and staff, with potential travel to other clinic sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Compassionate patient-centered care with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Strong manual dexterity for assisting in precise procedures.
• Knowledge of dental procedures, instruments, materials, and infection control.
• Proficient with computers and EHR systems.
• Organized and able to multitask in a clinical setting.
• Accurate color shade recognition for restorations and matching.
• Excellent communication with patients and families.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists with routine pediatric procedures under supervision.
• Prepare treatment areas and set up instruments before procedures.
• Provide chairside assistance during cleanings and fluoride treatments.
• Support patient comfort and safety during procedures.
• Take and develop dental X-rays following safety protocols.
• Assist with patient positioning and exam prep.
• Follow infection control procedures and sterilize instruments.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene and post-treatment care.
• Assist with scheduling, document treatment notes in EHR, and restock rooms.

Skills

Compassionate patient care

Manual dexterity

Infection control knowledge

EHR proficiency

Organization and multitasking

Color shade identification

Communication skills

Education

ADA-accredited dental assisting program

CPR certification

DANB certification exam

ADA-accredited dental hygiene program (with CPR)

State radiography training compliant with law

Two years chairside experience (3000 hours)

Tools

X-ray equipment operation

Job description

Description

SUMMARY

As a Dental Assistant II, you will be an essential member of the dental care team, supporting dentists and providing high-quality oral care for children. You will ensure that young patients receive safe and effective treatments while maintaining a comfortable and positive dental experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Provides compassionate, patient-centered care with professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
• Demonstrates excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for assisting in precise dental procedures.
• Knowledge of dental procedures, instruments, materials, and equipment, including infection control and sterilization protocols.
• Proficient with mobile devices, computers, and electronic health records (EHR).
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to multitask independently.
• Accurate in distinguishing color variations and shades.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills, with a friendly and welcoming demeanor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Clinical Support
• Assist dentists with routine pediatric dental procedures under direct supervision.
• Prepare treatment areas by setting up basic instruments and materials before procedures.
• Provide chairside assistance during cleanings, fluoride treatments, and simple restorative procedures.
• Support basic patient care needs during procedures, ensuring comfort and safety.
• Take and develop dental X-rays as directed, following standard safety protocols.
• Assist with routine patient positioning and preparation for exams and treatments.
• Infection Control & Safety
• Follow standard infection control procedures to maintain a clean and safe clinical environment.
• Clean, disinfect, and sterilize instruments and equipment according to guidelines.
• Set up and clean treatment rooms using proper disposal of waste and biohazard materials.
• Patient Education & Communication
• Provide patients and families with basic oral hygiene instructions such as brushing and flossing techniques.
• Support the dental team in delivering post-treatment instructions.
• Use child-friendly language and a reassuring manner to help young patients feel at ease.
• Administrative Responsibilities
• Assist with scheduling and confirming appointments under supervision.
• Help maintain accurate patient records by entering treatment notes and updating basic information in the electronic health record (EHR) system.
• Answer phones and direct inquiries to the appropriate staff.
• Support supply organization by restocking rooms and notifying supervisors when supplies are low.
• Team Collaboration
• Work closely with dentists, hygienists, assistants, and administrative staff to ensure high-quality, coordinated care.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Dentist or Site Manager.

COMPETENCIES

• Manages time effectively to support scheduling, procedure prep, and smooth patient flow under supervision.
• Provides friendly, courteous, and professional service to patients, families, and team members.
• Works collaboratively, follows guidance, and adapts to changing tasks in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Demonstrates respect, empathy, and professionalism in a diverse and inclusive setting.
• Willing to learn, apply problem-solving skills, and work a flexible schedule, including travel to other clinic sites.

May have other duties assigned at any time.

Please note that this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this position. Responsibilities, duties, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

EEO STATEMENT

Great Smiles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• (1) completion of:
• (a) an ADA-accredited dental assisting program and current certification in CPR; or
• (b) one academic year or longer in an ADA-accredited dental hygiene program and current certification in CPR; oro
• (2) completion of the Dental Assistant certification examination(s) administered by the Dental Assisting National Board and current
• certification in CPR; OR
• (3) completion of:
• (a) a 3-hour course in sterilization and infection control;
• (b) a 3-hour course in dental office emergencies; and
• (c) current certification in CPR.
• (d) after completing Sub-Items (3)(b), (c), and (d) of this Rule, dental assistants may be trained in any dental delivery setting and allowed to perform the functions of a Dental Assistant II under the direct control and supervision of a licensed dentist, except as listed in Sub-Item 3(e) of this Rule.
• (e) Dental assistants may take radiographs after completing radiology training consistent with G.S. 90-29(c) (12).
• (f) full-time employment and experience as a chairside assistant for two years (3,000 hours) of the preceding five, during which period the assistant may be trained in any dental delivery setting and allowed to perform the functions of a Dental Assistant II under the direct control and supervision of a licensed dentist.
• Radiography Requirements
• A certified Dental Assistant [(one who successfully completes the DANB exam (see (3) above)] or an assistant who completes an ADA-accredited dental assisting or dental hygiene program may take radiographs without further examination. All others, including those who move to North Carolina from out-of-state, must successfully pass an equivalency exam.
• Strong dental terminology to effectively communicate with dentists and patients.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position may require prolonged sitting or standing, repetitive motions, and tasks common to primary care dentistry. It involves using phones, computers, and other office equipment, and may include irregular hours and stressful conditions. Exposure to clinical hazards such as communicable diseases, body fluids, radiation, and chemicals is possible. Physical demands include lifting up to 30 pounds, and the ability to stoop, kneel, reach, hear, see (including color and depth perception), and communicate effectively.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a pediatric dental and orthodontic office environment. It regularly uses standard dental/orthodontic equipment, including X-rays and photos. Additionally, standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, file cabinets, and fax machines is routinely utilized in this position.