Paid Dental Intern

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Dental Assistant Intern supports the dental team—including dentists and dental hygienists—by assisting with hands-on patient care and learning essential skills in a clinical setting. This role provides direct exposure to daily operations in a dental practice, including chairside assisting, sterilization, instrument preparation, and maintaining a safe and organized treatment environment. This internship is designed to help individuals gain practical experience as they work toward a future in dental assisting. 

Work Schedule Expectations

• Full-time or part-time hours as determined by the Director
• Flexibility in scheduling required to meet patient and clinic demands

Requirements

 Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Enrollment in or completion of a dental assisting program
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English
• Spanish-speaking ability preferred or required depending on location
• X-Ray Certification, preferred
• Current BLS certification
• Ability to provide/maintain required immunizations or vaccinations
• Successful completion of all background checks

Key Responsibilities:

To be successful in this internship, the individual must be able to perform the essential duties below with appropriate guidance, training, and supervision. Reasonable accommodations will be made when needed.

Patient Support & Communication

• Assist patients with simple questions, directions, and comfort measures under direct supervision
• Maintain a welcoming, professional demeanor with all patients

Clinical & Chairside Assisting

• Serve as chairside assistant to the dentist or dental hygienist during procedures under direct supervision
• Prepare operatories for treatment following clinic protocols 
• Expose and process radiographs (in accordance with state laws and training) under direct supervision
• Perform assigned tasks and procedures as delegated by supervising dentists within legal scope under direct supervision
• Monitor patient flow and support providers to ensure efficient operations under direct supervision

Infection Control & Safety

• Follow all sterilization and disinfection protocols for instruments and equipment under direct supervision
• Properly dispose of regulated waste according to policy and law under direct supervision
• Maintain clean, organized clinical spaces in compliance with infection control standards under direct supervision
• Use required Personal Protective Equipment and follow Universal Precautions under  direct supervision

Clinic Operations & Administrative Support

• Maintain operatory supplies and assist with inventory tracking under direct supervision
• Help ensure dental records are accurately completed, filed, and updated under direct supervision
• Assist with chart pulling, filing, and organizing patient records under direct supervision
• Make or receive clinic-related phone calls under staff guidance under direct supervision
• Support additional clinical and administrative tasks as time permits under direct supervision

Professional Development & Additional Duties

• Participate in health promotion and community outreach activities as assigned under direct supervision
• Travel between locations when necessary under direct supervision
• Perform other tasks assigned by supervisors to support clinic goals under direct supervision
• Prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment under direct supervision

CCAP strives to cultivate and sustain a workforce devoted to providing compassionate and respectful care to all patients and clients. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, military status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, promotions, terminations, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.