Lead Dental Assistant (DAII/CDA)

Lead Dental Assistant — DA II/CDA

Apex Dental Group — Apex, NC 27502
Full-time | In person
$26.00–$34.00 per hour, based on experience

About Apex Dental Group

Apex Dental Group is a fee-for-service, high-tech dental practice focused on comprehensive treatment planning, excellent clinical care, and long-term relationships with our patients and team.

We are seeking an experienced Lead Dental Assistant who can provide excellent chairside support while helping coordinate the clinical day, maintain reliable systems, and mentor other clinical team members.

This is an opportunity for a dependable professional who wants to build a long-term career with one practice and contribute meaningfully to the team.

What You Will Do

Clinical Leadership and Daily Flow

• Support the doctor during comprehensive and complex procedures.
• Help maintain smooth clinical flow throughout the day.
• Review the schedule and prepare for upcoming procedures and patient needs.
• Anticipate the doctor’s needs and ensure operatories are properly prepared.
• Coordinate reliable clinical handoffs between assistants, hygienists, and the front office.
• Identify workflow problems and help the team correct them.
• Serve as a dependable clinical resource for the assistant team.

Chairside and Patient Support

• Provide efficient, calm, and professional chairside assistance.
• Support implant, endodontic, periodontal, restorative, and comprehensive procedures.
• Build trusting relationships with patients and help create a five-star clinical experience.
• Communicate patient needs and concerns clearly to the doctor and appropriate team members.
• Help patients understand what to expect during their clinical care.

Supplies, Labs, and Systems

• Monitor clinical inventory and place orders before supplies become critical.
• Coordinate dental lab cases and follow-up.
• Track cases, deadlines, and required handoffs.
• Maintain organized operatories, equipment, and clinical work areas.
• Follow approved OSHA, infection-control, sterilization, and safety procedures.
• Report equipment problems, supply concerns, or safety issues promptly.

Team Leadership and Training

• Mentor and support other dental assistants.
• Help train team members on approved clinical workflows and SOPs.
• Participate in team calibration, continuing education, and process improvement.
• Model professionalism, reliability, accountability, and respectful communication.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role means:

• The clinical day runs smoothly and predictably.
• Operatories and supplies are ready before they are needed.
• Lab cases are tracked and followed through.
• Clinical handoffs are complete and reliable.
• The doctor receives proactive chairside support.
• Team members understand expectations and receive helpful coaching.
• Patients feel well cared for throughout their visit.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of dental-assisting experience.
• Current North Carolina DA II or CDA credential, as applicable to the candidate’s qualifications.
• Current North Carolina radiography/X-ray certification.
• DA II candidates must have completed the expanded-function training expected for the North Carolina credential, including coronal polishing and nitrous-oxide monitoring.
• Strong chairside skills and experience supporting comprehensive dental care.
• Demonstrated experience taking ownership of clinical workflow or mentoring other assistants.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work calmly and professionally in a busy clinical environment.
• Reliable attendance and a strong commitment to patient care.
• Ability to work in person in Apex, NC.

Experience with CEREC, digital imaging, implant procedures, endodontics, and periodontics is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

• $26.00–$34.00 per hour, based on experience
• $3,000 Total retention bonus: ($1,000 after 6 months $1,000 after 12 months $1,000 after 18 months)
• 401(k) matching
• Profit-sharing opportunity
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid sick time
• Uniform allowance
• Employee discount
• License reimbursement
• Continuing education support
• Access to advanced continuing education through our Spear Education partnership

Benefits and retention bonus are subject to applicable eligibility and plan requirements.

Schedule

This is a full-time, in-person position following Apex Dental Group’s current team schedule:

• Monday: 7:15 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Lunch: 1:00–2:00 p.m.
• Tuesday: 10:15 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Wednesday: 7:15 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Lunch: 1:00–2:00 p.m.
• Thursday: 6:45 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
• Working Fridays: 6:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m., approximately one Friday per month, typically the third Friday

The schedule includes daily team huddles and designated training or maintenance time. Friday scheduling may change around holidays, vacations, and practice-calendar adjustments.

Expected hours: Approximately 35 – 40 hours per week, depending on the working-Friday schedule.

Work Location

Apex, NC 27502 — In person

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.00 - $34.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Continuing education credits
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• License reimbursement
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Profit sharing
• Uniform allowance

Application Question(s):

• Are you seeking a long-term, stable position where you can commit to a practice for 5 years?
• What are you looking for in your next long-term dental practice?
• Describe your experience coordinating clinical flow, supplies, lab cases, or assistant training.

Experience:

• Dental Assistant II or Certified Dental Assistant: 6 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) License (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Apex, NC 27502 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $26 - $34