Lead Clinical Assistant at St. Louis Pediatric Dentistry

The Lead Clinical Assistant is responsible for supporting the clinical team to ensure efficient patient care and smooth daily operations in the dental office. This role includes assisting dentists during procedures, maintaining equipment and instruments, ensuring infection control compliance, and mentoring the clinical team. The Lead Clinical Assistant plays a key role in training new staff and fostering a positive, collaborative, patient-centered work environment.

Essential Responsibilities:

•  Monitor and prioritize the workflow of dental assistants to maintain smooth office operations
•  Provide guidance and support to the clinical team, helping resolve challenges as they arise
•  Assist dentists during procedures by passing instruments, suctioning, and preparing materials
•  Ensure all equipment and instruments are properly sterilized and ready for use
•  Train and mentor new clinical staff, ensuring smooth onboarding and adherence to office protocols
•  Support dental supply ordering, inventory tracking, and budgeting of clinical materials and equipment
•  Collaborate with the Compliance Specialist to maintain emergency carts, first aid supplies, and OSHA/HIPAA compliance
•  Escort patients and guardians to operatories in a timely and professional manner
•  Take X-rays as instructed and maintain imaging equipment
•  Review and update patient medical histories and ensure accurate charting of treatment plans and procedure notes
•  Provide post-treatment instructions and guidance to patients as directed by the dentist
•  Assist with daily and monthly maintenance of sterilization equipment, handpieces, suction systems, and X-ray units
•  Communicate regularly with Practice Manager/Operations team regarding clinical team performance
•  Support a safe, organized, and patient-focused clinical environment
•  Perform other duties as assigned by management to support practice operations

Qualifications & Experience:

•  Minimum 3–5 years of experience as a clinical dental assistant
•  Extensive knowledge of dental procedures, instruments, equipment, and infection control standards
•  Strong manual dexterity for assisting in dental procedures
•  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with patients and team members
•  Forward-thinking and proactive in anticipating the needs of the dental team and patients
•  Maintains required certifications and license renewals as applicable by state regulations
•  Ability to travel between office locations as needed
•  Team members are expected to uphold the culture outlined in the SDB Handbook, with a focus on our core values and any additional responsibilities as defined