Dental Assistant - Pediatric Dental

Bon Secours Mercy Health; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Bon Secours Mercy Health in Richmond, VA is seeking a Dental Assistant to support the dentist during patient procedures, prepare treatment areas, and ensure patient comfort while maintaining infection control.

This role involves radiographs, charting, patient education, and inventory management, with 2 years’ experience preferred and state licensing encouraged.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 2 years’ dental assisting experience preferred.
• RDAs and radiology license preferred in state of practice.

Responsibilities

• Assist the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures (examinations, fillings, crowns, extractions).
• Sterilize dental instruments and maintain infection control procedures.
• Take and develop dental radiographs as directed.
• Record and update patient medical histories and treatment notes.
• Provide patients with oral hygiene instructions and post-operative care guidance.
• Monitor and maintain dental inventory and restock supplies as needed.

Skills

Dental sterilization

Chairside assisting

X-ray imaging

Infection control

Charting & EHR

Dental anatomy knowledge

Material preparation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Primary Function/General Purpose Of Position

The Dental Assistant supports the delivery of quality dental care by assisting the dentist during patient procedures, preparing and maintaining treatment areas, and ensuring patient comfort. This position plays a key role in enhancing the efficiency of the dental team and improving patient experience by performing a wide range of clinical and administrative tasks in compliance with state dental regulations and office policies.

Essential Job Functions

• Assist the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures including examinations, fillings, crowns, and extractions.
• Prepare and maintain dental instruments, equipment, and treatment areas by sterilizing tools and ensuring proper infection control procedures.
• Take and develop dental radiographs (X-rays) as directed.
• Record and update patient medical histories and treatment notes.
• Provide patients with oral hygiene instructions and post-operative care guidance.
• Monitor and maintain dental inventory, ordering supplies and restocking as necessary.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Licensing/Certification

Registered Dental Assistant in state of practice (preferred)

Radiology license in state of practice (preferred)

BLS Basic Life Support (preferred upon hire, must obtain from approved source prior to direct patient care)

Education

High school diploma or GED (required)

Work Experience

2 years’ experience in a dental assisting role (preferred)

Training

N/A

Skills

Hard/Tech/Clinical Skills

• Dental instrument sterilization
• Chairside assisting during dental procedures
• X-ray imaging and processing (as allowed by state regulation)
• Infection control and OSHA compliance
• Charting and EHR usage
• Basic knowledge of dental anatomy and terminology
• Preparing and mixing dental materials

Soft/Interpersonal Skills:

• Effective verbal communication with patients and team
• Compassion
• patient-centered care
• Active listening and following detailed instructions
• Professionalism and reliability
• Time management and multitasking
• Calm under pressure and adaptable to fast-paced environments

Range:

Minimum: $19.97

Maximum: $29.96

As a Bon Secours Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well‑being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
• Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Bon secours Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affiantative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email [e-mail]. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at [e-mail]