The Daily Planet·Richmond, Virginia
The Dental Assistant supports dental professionals by preparing treatment rooms, assisting during procedures, and maintaining sterilized equipment. They also manage patient records, scheduling, and provide oral hygiene education to patients.
The full-time Dental Assistant plays a critical role in supporting dental professionals to deliver high-quality patient care within a dental practice. This position involves preparing patients for dental procedures, assisting the dentist during treatments, and ensuring that all instruments and equipment are properly sterilized and maintained. The Dental Assistant also manages patient records and appointment scheduling, contributing to the smooth operation of the dental office. Compassion and effective communication are essential, as the role requires interacting with patients of diverse backgrounds and alleviating their concerns. Ultimately, the Dental Assistant helps create a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment that promotes excellent dental health outcomes.
The required skills such as Dental Assisting and Dental Terminology are essential for accurately supporting dental procedures and communicating effectively with the dental team. Sterilization and Infection Control skills ensure a safe environment by preventing cross-contamination and maintaining compliance with health regulations. Proficiency in Dentrix software facilitates efficient patient record management and appointment scheduling, streamlining office operations. Compassion and patient care skills are applied daily to provide comfort and reassurance to patients, enhancing their overall experience. Additionally, knowledge of proper body motion techniques helps the Dental Assistant perform tasks ergonomically, reducing fatigue and injury risk during repetitive activities.
At our organization, we believe that caring for our community begins with caring for our team. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your wellbeing, financial security, and professional growth.
include competitive health, dental, and vision insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; 4–6 weeks of paid time off based on years of service; 8 paid holidays and paid site-closure days; employer-paid short-term disability and life insurance with optional supplemental coverage for eligible dependents; and a continuing education (CEU) allowance for applicable roles to support ongoing learning and impact. Select positions are also eligible for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) loan repayment program.
Candidates must have completed a Dental Assisting program and be proficient in dental terminology and practice management software. Preferred qualifications include x-ray and infection control certifications, as well as CPR and First Aid training.
Market context
In Virginia, dental support roles are often competitive because employers look for candidates who combine chairside technical skill with dependable, patient-centered service. This posting’s requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description, which can save you time when comparing opportunities. Before applying, confirm the listed clinical duties, required credentials, and whether the pay and benefits match your priorities.