Dental Assistant

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