Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant

HealthWorks for Northern Virginia is a non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the medically underserved and uninsured populations of Northern Virginia. We provide quality medical, dental, and behavioral health care to all ages who might not otherwise be able to afford it. Outstanding Dental Assistant needed!! Hour-long lunch!! Looking for the right individual that is enthusiastic for the position! Work life balance - no weekends!! Competitive salary and benefits package includes a 401K Retirement Plan, medical, dental, vision, group life, STD, LTD; paid time off and 10 paid holidays.

Description of duties:

• Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering their questions and giving directions to patients as authorized by the dentist or dental hygienist.
• Serves as chair-side assistant to dentist or dental hygienist.
• Prepares operatory for patient treatment as per Dental Department protocols and the dentist's or dental hygienist's directions.
• Exposes dental radiographs in accordance with state regulations and law as well as Dental Department directive and protocol.
• Insures and performs the sterility and disinfection of all reusable dental instruments and equipment in accordance with Dental Department directives and protocols.
• Insures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with Dental Department directives, center policy as well as state and federal regulation(s).
• Performs all functions in full compliance with Center's and the Dental Department Exposure Control Plan including but not limited to the use of Personal Protective Equipment and Universal Precautions.
• Charts existing restorations or conditions.
• Receives and prepares patients for treatment, including seating, positioning chair, and placing napkins/bibs.
• Completes laboratory authorization forms.
• Transfers dental instruments.
• Selects and manipulates gypsums and waxes.
• Mixes dental materials.
• Demonstrates working understanding of OSHA Hazard Communication Standard.
• Takes and records vital signs.
• Cleans and polishes removable appliances and prostheses.
• Prepares procedural trays/armamentaria set-ups.
• Maintains field of operation during dental procedures through the use of retraction, suction, irrigation, drying, placing and removing cotton rolls, etc.
• Mounts and labels dental radiographs.
• Applies topical anesthetic to the injection site.
• Demonstrates understanding of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
• Travels when necessary to meet operational needs.
• Interprets for patient appointments as needed.
• Calls in prescription medication as directed by dentist.
• Enters dental supply order into the requisition system for management review.
• Efficiently works with all members of Dental Department team to ensure efficient patient flow according to the schedule demands.
• Acts as 'traffic control' of patients to ensure proper flow in the clinic.
• Follows maintenance schedule for the filters, autoclave, compressor, autoclave monitoring system, etc on a weekly basis and schedules coverage accordingly in a timely manner.
• Identifies, reports and follows up as necessary on any maintenance issues in the office including dental equipment and hand pieces.
• Ensures that MSDS sheets are up to date.
• Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by the dentist in accordance with state regulation and law and Dental Department directives and protocols.
• Maintains Dental Department equipment in accordance with manufacturer's directions and Dental Department policy and protocol.
• Maintains all Dental Department areas in compliance with Dental Department directives and protocols as well as center policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues.
• Maintains adequate operatory supplies and compiles a list of individual item shortages for inventory control and ordering purposes.
• Assists Dental Director(s) and coworkers when called upon. Cross-training to assist in other areas of the clinic will also be necessary.
• Responsible for full compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and Center rules, regulations, protocols, policies and procedures including but not limited to the participation of a Dental Assistant in the provision of clinical dental care, as well as those relating to, but not limited to, personnel policies, work place safety, public health and confidentiality.

Position requirements - qualifications/requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Completion of accredited course in Dental Assisting required.
• Current CPR(BLS) required.
• Dental Radiation Safety certificate preferred.
• Must have a positive history of work attendance and punctuality.
• Computer skills required.
• Ability to multi-task and to prioritize assignments and responsibilities to ensure compliance with established deadlines and protocols.
• Bilingual English/Spanish verbal and written communication skills preferred.
• All staff is expected to function within a collaborative team practice model, supporting the efforts of the other employees.

Full-Time/Part-Time - Full-Time

Open Date - 7/9/2026

Location - LCHC Herndon - Dental

This position is currently accepting applications.