Experienced Dental Assistant (X-Ray Certified) - Lead DA Growth Path

Columbia Smiles Family Dentistry

• Columbia, MD 21044
• Full-Time | Day Shift | No Nights / No Weekends
• $23-$32 per hour (based on skills & experience)

Why You'll Love Working Here

We're a modern, patient-focused, general dentistry and prosthodontic practice looking for an experienced Dental Assistant who takes pride in clinical excellence and teamwork. If you're the type of assistant who keeps the room running smoothly, anticipates the doctor's needs, and enjoys helping patients feel comfortable, you'll fit right in.

What we offer:

• 401(k) with up to 4% match
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Transparent Bonus Incentive Opportunity
• Professional Development Support
• Stable Daytime Schedule (no nights/weekends)

What We're Looking For (Must-Have)

• Maryland X-Ray Certification Required
• 3+ years of hands-on dental assisting experience
• Strong chairside assisting + clinical confidence
• Excellent communication, professionalism, and attention to detail
• Comfortable with digital radiography and dental software

What You'll Do

• Chairside assist the dentists during a wide range of procedures
• Take and process digital dental X-rays
• Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, and materials
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation
• Provide patient education and post-op instructions as directed
• Use intraoral camera and imaging tools
• Follow OSHA, HIPAA, and strict infection-control protocols
• Sterilization support and operatory turnover
• Restock rooms and help manage clinical supply flow
• Support efficient patient flow and a top-tier patient experience

Lead Dental Assistant Growth Path (Built In)

We're specifically looking for someone who can grow into a leadership seat. If you're already functioning at a "quiet leader" level--or want to--this role has a clear runway.

Phase 1: Experienced Dental Assistant (0-90 days)

You'll get fully integrated into our systems and expectations, with focus on:

• Chairside flow and doctor support
• Radiography consistency and speed
• Room turnover/sterilization excellence
• Documentation accuracy and patient experience

Phase 2: Senior/Lead-Track Assistant (3-6 months)

As you demonstrate reliability and ownership, you'll begin taking on leadership responsibilities such as:

• Helping standardize operatory set-ups and room readiness
• Supporting new assistant onboarding ("showing the ropes")
• Identifying supply gaps and improving day-to-day efficiency

Phase 3: Lead Dental Assistant (6-12 months)

Lead DA is an earned advancement based on performance and team fit. In this role, you may:

• Mentor and train new assistants (clinical expectations + room flow)
• Own clinical readiness standards (setups, turnover, consistency)
• Coordinate supply organization/restocking systems
• Help drive smoother schedules through strong clinical execution
• Serve as a key liaison between the doctors, other assistants, and office leadership

Compensation Progression

• Lead DA typically lands towards the top end of our posted range based on performance, scope, and experience.

Compensation Transparency (By Experience)

• 3-5 years: $23-$25/hr
• 5-8 years $25-$28/hr
• 8+ years / Lead-capable: $28+/hr

Pay: $23.00 - $32.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Continuing education credits
• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• On-site gym
• On-the-job training
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Safety equipment provided
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person