What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dental Assistant position at Pearly Smiles Dental - Aurora, IL?
Position: Dental Assistant
Job Overview:
We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Dental Assistant to join our team. This role requires someone who is not only skilled in chairside assisting but also capable of taking initiative, managing clinical inventory, supporting team training, and ensuring the back office runs smoothly and efficiently. The ideal candidate has experience in a wide range of dental procedures, including digital dentistry, orthodontic aligners, implants, extractions, and root canals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist the dentist during procedures, including passing instruments, suctioning, and other chairside duties
- Prepare and maintain treatment rooms, ensuring they are clean, organized, and fully stocked
- Take high-quality dental X-rays as directed
- Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment in accordance with industry standards and practice protocols
- Provide patient care and comfort, including explaining procedures and answering patient questions
- Accurately chart and record treatment notes in the electronic health record (EHR) system
- Lead and oversee back-office operations including daily and weekly checklists, supply ordering, and inventory management
- Collaborate with the dental team to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow
- Mentor and support new or junior dental assistants, fostering a strong, team-focused work environment
- Ensure all safety and infection control protocols are followed consistently
- Participate in case setups for ortho, implant, and restorative procedures
- Take intraoral scans and impressions for digital workflows
- Work one to two weekends per month as scheduled
Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; completion of a dental assistant program strongly preferred
- Minimum 2 years of dental assisting experience required; prior lead or senior assistant experience preferred
- Coronal polishing certification required
- Nitrous oxide certification is an asset but not required
- CPR certification is a preferred
- Proficiency in Dentrix Ascend is preferred
- Experience with digital dentistry (scanners, digital X-rays) is required
- Strong knowledge of dental procedures including orthodontic aligners, implants, extractions, and root canals
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced clinical setting
- Strong leadership qualities and a proactive mindset
- Commitment to patient care, confidentiality, and a high standard of ethics
- Flexibility to adapt to changing clinical and scheduling needs
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $19.00 - $25.00 per hour
Expected hours: 20 – 26 per week
Experience:
- Dental assisting: 2 years (Preferred)
Language:
- Spanish (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- coronal polishing and sealants (Required)
- CPR Certification (Preferred)
- Nitrous Oxide Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $19 - $25