Dental Assistant - Melwood Family Dentistry - Upper Marlboro, MD

Melwood Family Dentistry Pay: $[22]–$[28]/hour, based on experience and certifications | Schedule: [ Mon:OFF, Tues/ Wed 8:30-6pm; Thu 8:30am–5:30pm, Fri 8:00 - 4pm; some Saturdays] | Type: [Full-time] About Us Melwood Family Dentistry is a family practice in Prince George's County that is starting a new chapter. We are building an office where every patient visit feels calm, personal and well run, more like a high-end hospitality experience than a typical dental appointment. Our team is close-knit and growing, and we're looking for a skilled dental assistant who keeps the day running smoothly, anticipates the doctor's next move, and makes patients feel cared for from the moment they sit down. This is a chance to join a practice early in its growth, help shape how we work, and be part of a team where your ideas matter. What You'll Do Chairside assisting Assist the doctor with restorative, endodontic, prosthodontic, surgical and preventive procedures, including fillings, crowns and bridges, root canals, extractions, bone grafts and implant-related visits Use four-handed dentistry: pass instruments, run suction, retract and keep the field clear Prepare and mix dental materials, including impression materials, cements, bases, liners and bonding agents Take digital or conventional impressions and pour or trim models when needed Fabricate and cement temporary crowns and bridges within your Maryland scope Place and remove rubber dams, matrix bands and wedges Apply topical anesthetic, fluoride and sealants as your certifications allow Keep an eye on patient comfort and vital signs during procedures, and alert the doctor to any concerns Radiography and imaging Take and process radiographs (BWX, FMX, PAs and panoramic) following ALARA principles Take intraoral photos and scans for treatment planning, insurance and patient education Make sure images are high quality and correctly saved to the patient's chart Patient care and communication Seat patients, review medical histories, take blood pressure and get the patient ready for the procedure Explain what to expect in a calm, reassuring way, especially for nervous patients and children Give clear post-op instructions in person and in writing, and make follow-up calls when needed Help patients understand recommended treatment by walking them through x-rays and intraoral photos Infection control and safety Break down, disinfect and set up operatories between patients following OSHA and CDC guidelines Sterilize instruments and run, monitor and log sterilizer spore testing Maintain waterline treatment and testing Follow HIPAA and all office safety protocols Documentation and operations Enter clinical notes, charting, and treatment completed in Eaglesoft Prepare trays and operatories ahead of time based on the next day's schedule Manage inventory: track supplies, restock operatories and flag low items before they run out Send and track lab cases so they're back before the patient's appointment Join morning huddles and work with our care coordinators to keep the schedule on time and fill same-day openings Help with front desk tasks when needed (checking patients out, scheduling follow-ups) What We're Looking For Required Maryland Dental Radiation Technologist (DRT) certification, or eligibility to get it before you start taking x-rays Current CPR/BLS certification Knowledge of dental instruments, procedures, terminology and materials Solid infection control and sterilization habits Warm, professional chairside manner and good teamwork skills Preferred 1–2+ years of chairside experience in general or family dentistry Graduate of an accredited dental assisting program DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential Maryland Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) or General Duty qualification Experience with Eaglesoft (Dentrix or Open Dental is also fine, and we'll train you) Experience with intraoral scanners, digital radiography, and implant or surgical cases Bilingual in English and Spanish or another language spoken in our community Who thrives here You think a step ahead and have what the doctor needs before they ask You care about how patients feel, not just what's being done to their teeth You're dependable, organized and on time You stay calm and steady on busy days You're eager to learn and grow your skills and certifications What We Offer Competitive hourly pay, depending on experience and certifications Paid time off and paid holidays Discounted dental care for you [and your immediate family] A predictable schedule with [limited Saturdays] Modern equipment and a doctor who invests in training Room to grow into lead assistant or clinical coordinator roles as the practice expands Schedule Mon: Off, Tues/Wed: 8:30-6pm; Thurs: 8:30-5:30p; Fridays 8-4pm; Some Saturdays 8:2pm How to Apply Submit your resume through this posting or email it to info@melwooddental.com with "Dental Assistant – [Your Name]" in the subject line. Please include: Your certifications (DRT, EFDA, CDA, CPR/BLS) and their expiration dates Your available days and start date A few sentences on what makes a great chairside assistant Qualified candidates will be invited to a short phone call, then an in-office interview and a paid working interview. Melwood Family Dentistry is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of every background and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Pay: $22.36 - $31.75 per hour Expected hours: 32.0 – 40.0 per week Benefits: Free parking On-the-job training Paid time off License/Certification: Dental Radiation Technologist (Required) Ability to Commute: Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 (Preferred) Work Location: In person

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