Dental Assistant II

Department

Dental Health

Location

Lenoir NC

Salary

$32,309.00 - $47,329.00 a year

Open Date

07/22/2026

Description

DENTAL ASSISTANT II (CERTIFIED DENTAL ASSISTANT)

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

General Statement of Duties

The primary purpose of the Caldwell County Health Department is to deliver public health services in Caldwell County.

The Dental Assistant performs a variety of clerical and dental assisting tasks such as recording and maintaining patient data and charts, chairside dental assisting, making appointments, ordering and maintaining supplies, sterilization of instruments and operatories, and providing information to individuals and families who are recipients of local health services. Work is performed under the guidance and supervision of professional health personnel and evaluated constantly for satisfactory completion.

Public Health is a first responder agency for natural disasters (e.g. hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, winter storms), naturally occurring infectious disease outbreaks (e.g. influenza, SARS), technological hazards (hazardous materials releases, critical infrastructure disruptions), and terrorist incidents. Availability during emergencies and exercises is required.

Examples of Duties Performed

This position is responsible for recording and maintaining patients’ medical/dental records using dental software. The assistant provides information for health services recipients and contacts patients by phone or letter regarding patient care or upcoming/overdue appointments. The assistant will answer phone calls to the dental clinic which involves scheduling new and existing patient appointments, answering questions, and confirming future appointments. This position assists in ordering, receiving, and storing dental supplies. The assistant will set up operatories, ensure instruments are ready for use, seat patients, and provide chair side assistance to the dentist during dental procedures. The assistant will utilize proper sterilization and infection control procedures to clean operatories and dental instruments and log activities in cleaning logs according to departmental policies. The assistant takes panoramic, periapical, and bitewing radiographs as prescribed by the dentist. Dental assistants at the dental clinic will complete the following procedures during recall appointments: charting, coronal polishing, oral hygiene instructions, and fluoride varnish. The assistant reviews post-op instructions with patients. The assistant schedules future appointments and ensures recall postcards are completed.

Recruitment Standards

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of the principles and practices of dental patient care

Knowledge of sterilization and infection control procedures

Broad knowledge of dental procedures and terminology

Must be competent in chairside assisting with restorative and surgical procedures

Must be qualified to take digital radiographs and to complete coronal polishing on patients

Ability to maintain dental records using computers and dental software

Must be competent at working with children

Must demonstrate the use of sound judgment and empathy

Ability to follow oral and written instructions

SPICE training is preferred but not required

Ability to speak Spanish and translate with patients is preferred but not required

Minimum Training and Experience

Graduation from high school and successful completion of a one year ADA accredited dental assisting program. Applicant must have current CPR certification. At least one year experience working as a Dental Assistant II is preferred.

Special Condition for Continued Employment: meet qualifications set forth by the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners for classification as a Dental Assistant II.