Description
Job Title: Dental Assistant
Location: All Rochester Regional Health Dental Office Locations
SUMMARY:
This entry-level role is ideal for candidates who are new to the dental field and interested in gaining hands-on experience while working under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. While this position does not require licensure, it offers valuable exposure to patient care, infection control, dental procedures, and practice operations. We offer on-the-job training and support for those who wish to pursue formal education and New York State registration.
Under the supervision of a licensed dentist, the unlicensed dental assistant functions as a dental chair assistant, office assistant and sterile processing technician to assist our dental team with high-quality patient care.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Clinical Support & Chairside Assistance: Prepare patients and treatment areas, assist in procedures using four-handed dentistry techniques, suction, retract tissues, and mix dental materials under supervision.
Instrument & Equipment Management: Sterilize and organize instruments, prepare trays, and maintain dental equipment according to infection control standards.
Administrative & Operational Support: Manage patient records (non-clinical), assist with appointment scheduling, inventory, and ensure treatment rooms are clean and stocked.
Patient Interaction: Escort patients, provide comfort measures, and deliver general instructions as directed
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Active BLS or within three months of hire
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Excellent oral and written communication skills with a compassionate, patient-focused attitude for routine interaction with staff, patients and visitors
Prior experience in a sterile processing, general or specialty dental practice
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Light - Clinical - Light clinical roles involve frequent standing and walking, with occasional lifting of light objects (≤20 lbs.) and routine reaching, grasping, and fine manipulation for tasks such as patient care, laboratory work, or specimen processing. Staff rely on strong visual and auditory acuity to accurately observe specimens, read instrumentation, monitor patients, respond to alarms, and communicate effectively with care teams. Cognitive demands include multitasking, prioritizing clinical and laboratory workflows, and coordinating with interdisciplinary teams. Emotional resilience is necessary due to frequent interruptions, shifting priorities, and the need for precise and compassionate interaction with patients and colleagues. Environmental exposures may include infectious materials, biological specimens, cleaning agents, sharps, chemical reagents, and wet surfaces. PPE use, TB testing, and schedule flexibility are commonly required.
PAY RANGE: $18.10 - $23.00
The listed base pay range is a good faith representation of current potential base pay for successful applicants. It may be modified in the future. Pay is determined by factors including experience, clinical licensure date, relevant qualifications, specialty, internal equity, location, and contracts.
