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Dental Assistant job description template

Dental assistants work chairside with dentists, preparing patients, passing instruments, and keeping treatment areas sterile. They also take X-rays where allowed by state rules and help patients feel comfortable during visits. Copy this template, replace the bracketed parts, then run it through the free JD Analyzer.

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Dental Assistant

About the role

[Company Name] is seeking a Dental Assistant to join our friendly practice. You will work chairside with our dentists, prepare and sterilize instruments, take radiographs as permitted by state rules, and help patients feel at ease. We are looking for someone organized, caring, and serious about infection control.

Responsibilities

Prepare patients for treatment and review medical histories
Assist dentists chairside during exams and procedures
Sterilize instruments and disinfect treatment rooms following CDC and OSHA guidelines
Take and process dental radiographs as permitted by state rules
Take impressions or digital scans as allowed by state rules
Provide patients with post-treatment and home care instructions
Record treatment notes and update patient charts accurately
Maintain dental supplies and equipment
Support the front desk with scheduling and patient questions when needed

Requirements

Experience as a dental assistant or completion of a dental assisting program
Radiography certification or any state-required credentials for the duties listed
Current BLS certification
Solid knowledge of sterilization and infection control procedures
Warm, clear communication with patients of all backgrounds
Comfort using dental practice management software
Ability to perform the essential functions of the role with or without reasonable accommodation

Nice to have

Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) or Expanded Function credential
Experience with digital scanning or CAD/CAM systems
Experience in [general, pediatric, or specialty] dentistry
Bilingual skills matching our patient population

Pay

[Pay range] · [Benefits summary]

Pay transparency

Many states, including CA, CO, NY, WA, and IL, require a good-faith pay range in job postings, so check your state's rules and include one before posting.

See the rules for your state in HR laws by state.

Write a more inclusive posting

Check which credentials your state actually requires and list only those as mandatory
Avoid 'bubbly personality' or appearance-related language; describe the patient care skills you want instead
List physical demands only if essential, such as fine motor skills for chairside work, and add an accommodation statement

Hiring a dental assistant?

Prepare the interview too: 15 questions, red flags and questions to avoid.

Dental Assistant interview questions

Frequently asked questions

What can a dental assistant legally do?

Allowed duties vary widely by state, especially for radiographs, coronal polishing, and expanded functions. Check your state dental board's rules before writing the job description or assigning tasks.

How can I test a dental assistant's skills during an interview?

A working interview or a short demonstration of setting up a tray and breaking down a room is common. Some states have rules on working interviews and pay, so check your state's rules before scheduling one.

Should I require a dental assisting certificate?

Only require credentials your state mandates for the duties involved. Many practices hire experienced assistants trained on the job and support them to get certified.

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