Lead Dental Assistant

Socotra, Inc.; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Health, dental & vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Learning & development opportunities

Life & AD&D insurance

FSAs & pre-tax transit

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Tend is seeking a Lead Dental Assistant to provide exceptional chairside support while leading and supporting the Dental Assistant team in a fast-paced studio. You will oversee workflows, ensure sterilization and safety protocols, and coach team members to excel in their roles in a collaborative, growth-oriented culture.

You will work full-time (32–40 hours, including some Saturdays) and contribute to a patient-first experience while supporting leadership initiatives and ongoing professional

Qualifications

• Licensed dental assistant with current CPR/BLS certification.
• Experience coaching and developing dental assistants.
• Familiarity with OSHA and CDC sterilization standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide best-in-class chairside support to dentists and hygienists.
• Lead and coach the Dental Assistant team with training and mentorship.
• Oversee room prep, sterilization, and compliance with standards.
• Partner with studio leadership to optimize daily workflows and efficiency.
• Staffing, scheduling, and onboarding of new Dental Assistants.
• Model Tend’s values and foster a collaborative environment.
• Participate in leadership and professional development opportunities.

Skills

Chairside support

Leadership / coaching

Infection control

Communication

Education

Dental assisting certification/licensure

CPR/BLS certification

Job description

As a Lead Dental Assistant at Tend, you’ll take on a dual role: providing outstanding chairside support while leading and supporting the performance of the Dental Assistant team in your studio. You’ll oversee daily workflows, ensure clinical and sterilization protocols are followed, and help coach and develop Dental Assistants to excel in their roles. Our model is built for strong clinical leaders who want to grow their own careers while empowering others. You’ll be part of a collaborative, growth-minded culture that’s raising the bar for dentistry — and having fun doing it.

What You’ll Do

• Provide best-in-class chairside support to dentists and hygienists across a variety of procedures
• Lead and coach the Dental Assistant team, providing feedback, training, and mentorship
• Oversee room prep, sterilization protocols, and compliance with OSHA and CDC standards
• Partner with providers and studio leadership to optimize daily workflows and studio efficiency
• Anticipate the needs of patients, providers, and teammates to keep the studio flow effective and patient-first
• Support staffing, scheduling, and onboarding of new Dental Assistants
• Model Tend’s values and create a positive, collaborative environment where the team thrives
• Participate in ongoing leadership and professional development opportunities
• Champion new initiatives and company goals with enthusiasm

Who You Are

You embody our Tend values and demonstrate key competencies that ensure both patient success and team excellence. At Tend, these values aren’t just words on a wall — they are essential to how we hire, lead, and collaborate. Every Lead Dental Assistant is expected to show up with a mindset grounded in our mission, vision, and values. This is what drives our culture, our clinical standards, and the patient experience we’re proud to deliver every day.

Tend Values

• Tend to Others – Deliver outstanding patient care and seamless chairside support. You put the patient and your team first, anticipating needs in fast-paced settings.
• Be Brave Enough to Lead – Act with integrity, take initiative to solve problems, and coach others to raise the bar for studio excellence.
• Savor the Ride – Celebrate wins, stay resilient in challenging moments, and bring positivity to the workplace.
• Embrace Our Differences – Welcome and value diverse backgrounds, ideas, and feedback. Communicate with empathy, respect, and trust.
• Rooted in Growth – Seek ongoing learning and development—for yourself and for the strength of your team.

Role-Based Competencies

• Adapt in the Moment – Stay flexible and positive when schedules shift, priorities change, or teammates need extra support.
• Contribute to Team Success – Partner seamlessly with dentists, hygienists, and teammates to deliver excellent patient care and meet studio goals.
• Communicate with Clarity – Share feedback, coach teammates, and adapt communication style to meet the needs of patients and staff.

What You Have

• All state‑required certifications, registrations, or licenses for dental assistants
• Current CPR/BLS certification
• Minimum 2–3 years of dental assisting experience (plus previous leadership experience preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to coach, train, and support Dental Assistants
• Strong knowledge of infection control and sterilization protocols
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Adaptability to new technologies and workflows in a modern studio environment
• Ability to work a full‑time schedule (32–40 hours per week including some Saturdays)

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to perform the essential job duties listed, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods while assisting with dental procedures
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills to handle dental instruments precisely
• Adequate vision (with or without correction) to read charts, interpret radiographs, and operate clinical equipment
• Ability to bend, reach, and maintain ergonomic positioning for patient care
• Occasional lifting or movement of equipment and supplies up to 25 pounds
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, team members, and other healthcare professionals in person and via technology

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

We believe taking care of people starts with taking care of our own. Here’s how we’ve got you covered at Tend:

• Time to Recharge – Enjoy Paid Time Off (PTO) — because rest is productive.
• Health Comes First – Medical, dental, and vision insurance — plus our own Dental Wellness Program.
• Plan for the Future – 401(k) with company match to help you grow your nest egg.
• Learning & Development – Ongoing training, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities.
• Peace of Mind – Life & AD&D insurance, disability coverage, and health advocacy resources.
• Smart Spending Options – FSAs, HSAs, and pre‑tax transit and parking benefits.
• Support, When You Need It – Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and other resources for personal well-being.

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Tend is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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