Lead Endodontic Assistant

The Lead Endodontic Assistant is responsible for leading the clinical assistant team and supporting the endodontist in providing exceptional, efficient, and patient-centered care. This position requires strong leadership, organizational skills, clinical expertise, and a comprehensive understanding of endodontic procedures. The Lead Endodontic Assistant will oversee the daily operations of the clinical team, assist during endodontic procedures, ensure proper infection control and sterilization protocols are followed, manage clinical equipment and supplies, and help maintain a safe and efficient patient experience.

Key Responsibilities

1. Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and support the endodontic assistant team, providing ongoing training and guidance.
• Coordinate daily clinical assignments and ensure assistants are appropriately scheduled and utilized.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clinical assistants and facilitate clear communication between the assistants, doctors, and front office team.
• Help onboard and train new clinical team members in endodontic procedures, office protocols, equipment, and patient care standards.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, professionalism, accountability, safety, and patient-centered care.
• Identify opportunities to improve clinical workflows and overall team efficiency.

2. Endodontic Clinical Assistance

• Prepare treatment rooms and patients for endodontic procedures.
• Assist the endodontist chairside during root canal therapy, retreatment, apicoectomy, emergency treatment, and other endodontic procedures.
• Anticipate the doctor’s needs and efficiently provide appropriate instruments, materials, and supplies throughout procedures.
• Assist with rubber dam placement, isolation, irrigation, instrumentation, obturation, temporary restorations, and other endodontic procedures as directed by the doctor.
• Operate and assist with endodontic equipment, including digital imaging, CBCT, apex locators, rotary/reciprocation systems, and other clinical technology.
• Take and process appropriate dental radiographs and CBCT images in accordance with office protocols and applicable regulations.
• Ensure treatment rooms are properly prepared, stocked, cleaned, and turned over efficiently between patients.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and ensure all necessary records are completed.

3. Patient Care and Experience

• Welcome and prepare patients for treatment while providing a calm, professional, and compassionate experience.
• Explain procedures and post-treatment instructions clearly and answer routine patient questions within the scope of the position.
• Monitor patients throughout treatment and communicate any concerns or changes in condition to the endodontist.
• Provide thorough post-operative instructions and reinforce the doctor’s recommendations.
• Demonstrate empathy and professionalism when working with anxious, nervous, or medically complex patients.
• Help ensure patients move efficiently through the clinical process while maintaining a high standard of care.

4. Infection Control, Safety & Compliance

• Maintain strict infection control and sterilization protocols in accordance with OSHA, CDC, and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Properly clean, disinfect, package, sterilize, and store instruments and clinical equipment.
• Monitor sterilization procedures and ensure appropriate documentation is maintained.
• Ensure clinical areas remain clean, organized, and compliant with safety standards.
• Follow HIPAA regulations and maintain patient confidentiality.
• Assist in maintaining emergency equipment and supplies and ensure the clinical team is prepared to respond appropriately to medical emergencies.

5. Clinical Supplies & Equipment

• Maintain appropriate inventory levels of endodontic instruments, materials, medications, and clinical supplies.
• Monitor usage and communicate supply needs to office management.
• Assist with ordering and organizing clinical supplies as needed.
• Ensure endodontic instruments and equipment are properly maintained and functioning.
• Identify equipment or supply issues and communicate them promptly to management.

6. Clinical Operations & Scheduling

• Collaborate with the endodontist and office manager to ensure efficient daily clinical operations.
• Help coordinate treatment room availability, assistant coverage, and patient flow.
• Assist with optimizing the clinical schedule and minimizing delays or downtime.
• Communicate effectively with the front office regarding patient needs, treatment status, and scheduling considerations.
• Help implement and maintain standardized clinical protocols and workflows.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a dental assistant, with endodontic experience strongly preferred.
• Previous leadership experience or demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a clinical team.
• Strong knowledge of endodontic procedures, instruments, materials, and clinical protocols.
• Experience assisting with root canal therapy and other endodontic procedures.
• Experience with digital radiography and/or CBCT preferred.
• Current CPR/BLS certification.
• Knowledge of OSHA, HIPAA, infection control, and sterilization protocols.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to anticipate the doctor’s needs and work efficiently in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Professional, dependable, detail-oriented, and patient-focused.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and sit for extended periods while assisting with patient care.
• Ability to frequently bend, reach, and move throughout the clinical environment.
• Ability to lift and move clinical supplies and equipment as needed.
• Ability to assist patients with mobility when necessary.
• Ability to maintain focus and perform effectively during extended clinical procedures.