Dental Assistant I / II

GoochlandCares is seeking a Dental Assistant I or Dental Assistant II to support the delivery of compassionate, high-quality dental care to our adult clients. Candidates will be considered at either level based on their experience, education, certifications, and demonstrated clinical competencies.

The Dental Assistant provides chairside assistance, supports daily clinic operations, and helps create a safe, welcoming environment using a trauma-informed care approach. Candidates hired as a Dental Assistant II also perform authorized expanded-function procedures under the direct supervision of a dentist.

Candidates who have not yet earned Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification may be considered for the Dental Assistant I position and must pursue certification during employment according to an established professional development plan.

Essential Duties:

The following job functions are essential to this role. Clinical duties are assigned according to the employee’s training, demonstrated competency, credentials, and scope permitted under Virginia law.

• Provides chairside assistance to dentists using efficient four-handed dentistry techniques that support patient comfort and safety.
• Seats patients, obtains and updates medical histories, records vital signs, and prepares patients for treatment.
• Takes diagnostic dental radiographs after meeting Virginia radiation certification requirements.
• Prepares, sterilizes, and disinfects operatory spaces, instruments, and equipment according to OSHA, CDC, and clinic safety guidelines.
• Keeps the dental clinic clean, stocked, labeled, and organized to support smooth and efficient operations.
• Completes routine equipment cleaning and maintenance and maintains required logs and records.
• Takes permitted dental impressions and accurately pours models for laboratory use.
• Accurately documents treatment details and updates electronic patient charts.
• Reinforces dentist-directed postoperative instructions and routine oral hygiene education.
• Assists with administrative tasks, including contacting clients, coordinating appointments, and supporting accurate dental coding and Medicaid billing.
• Assists with the orientation and training of volunteer dental assistants, as appropriate to experience and competency.
• Maintains the confidentiality and security of patient information in accordance with HIPAA and clinic policies and promptly reports potential privacy concerns.
• Collaborates with the Development Department to collect client, staff, and volunteer stories and photos with appropriate consent.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Additional Dental Assistant II Duties

• Under the direct supervision of a dentist, and only within the employee’s authorized competencies:
• Performs expanded-function restorative procedures, including placing and shaping restorative materials.
• Takes final impressions for crown, bridge, and other authorized restorative or prosthetic procedures.
• Supports provisional restoration and prosthetic procedures within the scope permitted by Virginia law.
• Performs other authorized expanded-function procedures consistent with completed training, Virginia registration, and clinic needs.

Hiring Range

Dental Assistant I: $21–$24 per hour

Dental Assistant II: $24–$30 per hour