Lead Dental Assistant
Boston, MA
- Healthcare
- Full-time
- Lead Dental Assistant
- Dental Assistant Supervisor
- chairside support
The Lead Dental Assistant provides chairside support to dental professionals while leading and mentoring the Dental Assistant team to ensure clinical excellence and operational efficiency. This role manages daily workflows, enforces sterilization protocols, and promotes a positive team culture focused on patient-centered care. Candidates must have relevant certifications, leadership experience, and strong communication skills to thrive in a modern dental studio environment.
As a Lead Dental Assistant at Tend, you’ll take on a dual role: providing outstanding chairside support while leading and supporting the performance of the Dental Assistant team in your studio. You’ll oversee daily workflows, ensure clinical and sterilization protocols are followed, and help coach and develop Dental Assistants to excel in their roles. Our model is built for strong clinical leaders who want to grow their own careers while empowering others. You’ll be part of a collaborative, growth-minded culture that’s raising the bar for dentistry — and having fun doing it.
What You’ll Do
- Provide best-in-class chairside support to dentists and hygienists across a variety of procedures
- Lead and coach the Dental Assistant team, providing feedback, training, and mentorship
- Oversee room prep, sterilization protocols, and compliance with OSHA and CDC standards
- Partner with providers and studio leadership to optimize daily workflows and studio efficiency
- Anticipate the needs of patients, providers, and teammates to keep the studio flow effective and patient-first
- Support staffing, scheduling, and onboarding of new Dental Assistants
- Model Tend’s values and create a positive, collaborative environment where the team thrives
- Participate in ongoing leadership and professional development opportunities
Who You Are
You embody our Tend values and demonstrate key competencies that ensure both patient success and team excellence. At Tend, these values aren’t just words on a wall — they are essential to how we hire, lead, and collaborate. Every Lead Dental Assistant is expected to show up with a mindset grounded in our mission, vision, and values. This is what drives our culture, our clinical standards, and the patient experience we’re proud to deliver every day.
Tend Values:
- Tend to Others – Deliver outstanding patient care and seamless chairside support. You put the patient and your team first, anticipating needs in fast-paced settings.
- Be Brave Enough to Lead – Act with integrity, take initiative to solve problems, and coach others to raise the bar for studio excellence.
- Savor the Ride – Celebrate wins, stay resilient in challenging moments, and bring positivity to the workplace.
- Embrace Our Differences – Welcome and value diverse backgrounds, ideas, and feedback. Communicate with empathy, respect, and trust.
- Rooted in Growth – Seek ongoing learning and development—for yourself and for the strength of your team.
Role-Based Competencies:
- Adapt in the Moment – Stay flexible and positive when schedules shift, priorities change, or teammates need extra support.
- Contribute to Team Success – Partner seamlessly with dentists, hygienists, and teammates to deliver excellent patient care and meet studio goals.
- Communicate with Clarity – Share feedback, coach teammates, and adapt communication style to meet the needs of patients and staff.
What You Have
- All state-required certifications, registrations, or licenses for dental assistants
- Current CPR/BLS certification
- Minimum 2–3 years of dental assisting experience (previous leadership experience preferred)
- Demonstrated ability to coach, train, and support Dental Assistants
- Strong knowledge of infection control and sterilization protocols
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Adaptability to new technologies and workflows in a modern studio environment
- Ability to work a full-time schedule (32–40 hours per week including some Saturdays)
Physical Requirements
This position requires the ability to perform the essential job duties listed, with or without reasonable accommodation:
- Ability to sit and stand for extended periods while assisting with dental procedures
- Manual dexterity and fine motor skills to handle dental instruments precisely
- Adequate vision (with or without correction) to read charts, interpret radiographs, and operate clinical equipment
- Ability to bend, reach, and maintain ergonomic positioning for patient care
- Occasional lifting or movement of equipment and supplies up to 25 pounds
- Ability to communicate effectively with patients, team members, and other healthcare professionals in person and via technology
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
What We Offer
We believe taking care of people starts with taking care of our own. Here’s how we’ve got you covered at Tend:
🌴 Time to Recharge – Enjoy Paid Time Off (PTO) — because rest is productive.
🩺 Health Comes First – Medical, dental, and vision insurance — plus our own Dental Wellness Program.
💰 Plan for the Future – 401(k) with company match to help you grow your nest egg.
🎓 Learning & Development – Ongoing training, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities.
🛡️ Peace of Mind – Life & AD&D insurance, disability coverage, and health advocacy resources.
🛍️ Smart Spending Options – FSAs, HSAs, and pre-tax transit and parking benefits.
💡 Support, When You Need It – Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and other resources for personal well-being.
#LI-Onsite
The Tend Difference
The highest standard of care, anywhere.
At Tend, you’ll work alongside esteemed clinical leaders and experience-obsessed colleagues to deliver care that’s not only top-tier — it’s unforgettable. With access to advanced technology and thoughtfully designed studios, you’ll help create dental experiences that patients actually look forward to. Our hospitality-driven approach makes every visit feel personal, warm, and empowering.
A top-tier clinical team who puts patients first.
We value science over sales and lead with empathy, transparency, and integrity. There are no production quotas here — just a shared commitment to doing what’s right for our patients. We foster a collaborative, inclusive culture where team members go the extra mile for each other and for every patient who walks through our doors.
Innovate Dentistry. Tend to Others. Grow Together.
Tend is redefining what it means to grow a career in dentistry. We offer a modern, patient-first environment backed by cutting-edge tools and systems, industry-leading compensation and benefits, and robust opportunities for continuing education and professional development. Whether you’re clinical or corporate, you’ll be part of something meaningful — and surrounded by people who care.
Tend is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We’re committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported. Tend does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination.
Legal and Compliance Notice:
Tend complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination, equal employment opportunity, pay transparency, and other employment-related requirements. Where specific state disclosures or postings are required by law, we provide this information as part of our hiring process or upon request.
Your privacy matters.
To learn more about how we collect, use, and protect your information, please review our privacy policy here.
View this job in-app!
- Build trust with employers
- Fast-track job applications
- Stand out from the crowd
