Dental Assistant l

Smile Starters; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Paid time off

Health, dental, vision insurance

Short term disability

Life insurance (basic)

Long-term disability

Retirement plan options

Career growth

Job summary

Smile Starters, a pediatric dental practice in Hickory, NC, seeks a Dental Assistant I to join a compassionate team. You will greet families, prepare patients and instruments, and assist dentists using 4-handed techniques in a fast-paced, welcoming clinic.

Qualifications include CPR, sterilization/infection control, radiology, and D2O a plus. Bilingual skills are a plus; experience with dental software is preferred. Growth opportunities available.

Qualifications

• Current CPR Certification required.
• Sterilization and Infection Control Certification required.
• Dental Office Emergencies Certification required.
• Radiology Certification required.
• N2O administration certification a plus.
• Bilingual abilities a plus.
• Proficiency with dental office software and scheduling systems.

Responsibilities

• Welcome patients and families to the office with professionalism and warmth.
• Perform pre- and post-operative consultations and prepare patients for treatments.
• Select, prepare, and arrange instruments and materials; sterilize per OSHA/CDC standards.
• Assist dentists chairside using 4-handed dentistry techniques.
• Complete lab tasks as instructed and provide post-operative care instructions.
• Maintain clean, stocked operatories and manage accurate records.
• Schedule appointments and collaborate with the team.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Child-friendly

Bilingual abilities

Education

CPR Certification

Sterilization & Infection Control Certification

Dental Office Emergencies Certification

Radiology Certification

N2O administration (plus)

Tools

Dental office software

Scheduling systems

Job description

Dental Assistant IAbout Smile StartersAt Smile Starters, we provide compassionate, comprehensive dental care to children and young adults ages 1 through 20. Our mission is to educate and guide patients toward lifelong oral health. By working with the youngest members of our community, we help establish healthy habits early, leading to lasting results. Many of our former patients now bring their own children to us — a true testament to the care we deliver.This position offers the opportunity to work in a team setting with a group of like-minded dental professionals who are passionate about patient care, teamwork, and creating a positive, welcoming environment.ResponsibilitiesWelcome patients and families to the office with professionalism and warmthConduct pre- and post operative consultationsPrepare patients for treatments or checkups, ensuring comfort and reassuranceSelect, prepare, and arrange instruments, equipment, and materials for proceduresSterilize instruments according to OSHA and CDC standardsAssist dentists chairside using 4-handed dentistry techniquesComplete lab-related tasks as instructedProvide oral hygiene and post operative care instructionsMaintain clean, stocked, and organized operatoriesSchedule patient appointments and manage accurate recordsCollaborate with the team and perform other duties as assignedSkills & AttributesKnowledge of dental instruments, sterilization, and infection control proceduresFamiliarity with health and safety regulations in a clinical settingProficiency with dental office software and scheduling systemsStrong communication and interpersonal skills with children, parents, and team membersOrganized, detail oriented, and dependableThrives in a busy, team-focused environmentAdditional certifications such as N2O administration a plusBilingual abilities a plusRequirementsCurrent CPR CertificationSterilization and Infection Control CertificationDental Office Emergencies CertificationRadiology CertificationBenefitsCompetitive salary with performance incentivesPaid time offHealth, dental, vision insurance, short term disability, and supplemental life insuranceCompany paid Basic Life Insurance and Long-Term DisabilityRetirement plan optionsFriendly, supportive, and collaborative team environmentOpportunity for career growth within a well established pediatric-focused practiceSkills & AttributesKnowledge of dental instruments, sterilization, and infection control proceduresFamiliarity with health and safety regulations in a clinical settingProficiency with dental office software and scheduling systemsStrong communication and interpersonal skills with children, parents, and team membersOrganized, detail oriented, and dependableThrives in a busy, team-focused environmentAdditional certifications such as N2O administration a plusBilingual abilities a plusRequirementsCurrent CPR CertificationSterilization and Infection Control CertificationDental Office Emergencies CertificationRadiology Certification