Dental Assistant / Hygiene Assistant
Tend, Westport, CT, United States
At Tend, our Dental Assistants and Hygiene Assistants play a vital role in delivering a seamless, patient-first experience in a modern, thoughtfully designed dental studio.
You’ll support clinical care at the chairside—whether assisting dentists across a wide range of procedures or partnering with hygienists in our assisted hygiene model. From preparing treatment rooms and maintaining sterilization protocols to ensuring patients feel comfortable, informed, and cared for, you’ll help keep the flow of the studio running smoothly while delivering an exceptional care experience.
Our model is built for driven assistants at all stages of their careers—those who want to grow clinically, collaborate with an energized team, and be part of a supportive, growth‑minded culture that’s raising the bar for dentistry.
What You’ll Do
Clinical Support & Patient Experience (All Assistants)
Deliver outstanding chairside support to dentists and/or hygienists across a variety of procedures
Ensure patients feel comfortable, informed, and cared for throughout their visit
Anticipate provider and team needs to maintain efficient studio flow
Collaborate with teammates to deliver a seamless, high‑quality patient experience
Operatory & Clinical Excellence (All Assistants)
Prepare and maintain treatment rooms, instruments, and equipment in compliance with OSHA and CDC standards
Manage sterilization workflows and maintain a safe, clean clinical environment
Take dental radiographs and support accurate, complete patient records (as permitted by role and experience)
Provide chairside support across a full range of general and specialty procedures
Partner closely with dentists to support clinical excellence and productivity
Contribute to studio performance goals through efficiency, preparedness, and teamwork
Supporting Hygienists (Hygiene Assistant Focus)
Support hygienists within our Team Hygiene model, helping deliver efficient, high‑quality care
Prepare and reset rooms between hygiene visits to maintain schedule flow
Assist chairside during hygiene appointments and build clinical confidence
Participate in training and development to continue growing clinical skills
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 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 and take initiative to solve problems, uphold safety standards, and raise the bar for studio excellence.
Savor the Ride
– Celebrate wins, stay resilient in busy or 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 skill development—for yourself and for the strength of your team.
Role-Based Competencies
Adapt in the Moment
– Stay flexible and positive when schedules shift, patients need extra reassurance, or priorities change unexpectedly.
Contribute to Team Success
– Work seamlessly with dentists, hygienists, and teammates, sharing knowledge and supporting others to meet shared goals.
Communicate with Clarity
– Listen actively, explain information clearly, and adapt your style to meet the needs of patients and teammates.
What You Have
All state‑required certifications, registrations, or licenses for dental assistants
Current CPR/BLS certification
Demonstrated chairside knowledge and patient care skills
Strong communication and interpersonal abilities
Adaptability to new technologies and workflows in a modern studio environment
Excitement about contributing to a collaborative, high‑performing team
Ability to work a full‑time schedule (32–40 hours per week including some Saturdays) or part‑time schedule (2–3 days 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) plan to help you grow your nest egg.
Learning & Development
– Ongoing training, mentorship, and CE 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.
Pay Range: $23 USD - $28 USD
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 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.
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You’ll support clinical care at the chairside—whether assisting dentists across a wide range of procedures or partnering with hygienists in our assisted hygiene model. From preparing treatment rooms and maintaining sterilization protocols to ensuring patients feel comfortable, informed, and cared for, you’ll help keep the flow of the studio running smoothly while delivering an exceptional care experience.
Our model is built for driven assistants at all stages of their careers—those who want to grow clinically, collaborate with an energized team, and be part of a supportive, growth‑minded culture that’s raising the bar for dentistry.
What You’ll Do
Clinical Support & Patient Experience (All Assistants)
Deliver outstanding chairside support to dentists and/or hygienists across a variety of procedures
Ensure patients feel comfortable, informed, and cared for throughout their visit
Anticipate provider and team needs to maintain efficient studio flow
Collaborate with teammates to deliver a seamless, high‑quality patient experience
Operatory & Clinical Excellence (All Assistants)
Prepare and maintain treatment rooms, instruments, and equipment in compliance with OSHA and CDC standards
Manage sterilization workflows and maintain a safe, clean clinical environment
Take dental radiographs and support accurate, complete patient records (as permitted by role and experience)
Provide chairside support across a full range of general and specialty procedures
Partner closely with dentists to support clinical excellence and productivity
Contribute to studio performance goals through efficiency, preparedness, and teamwork
Supporting Hygienists (Hygiene Assistant Focus)
Support hygienists within our Team Hygiene model, helping deliver efficient, high‑quality care
Prepare and reset rooms between hygiene visits to maintain schedule flow
Assist chairside during hygiene appointments and build clinical confidence
Participate in training and development to continue growing clinical skills
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 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 and take initiative to solve problems, uphold safety standards, and raise the bar for studio excellence.
Savor the Ride
– Celebrate wins, stay resilient in busy or 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 skill development—for yourself and for the strength of your team.
Role-Based Competencies
Adapt in the Moment
– Stay flexible and positive when schedules shift, patients need extra reassurance, or priorities change unexpectedly.
Contribute to Team Success
– Work seamlessly with dentists, hygienists, and teammates, sharing knowledge and supporting others to meet shared goals.
Communicate with Clarity
– Listen actively, explain information clearly, and adapt your style to meet the needs of patients and teammates.
What You Have
All state‑required certifications, registrations, or licenses for dental assistants
Current CPR/BLS certification
Demonstrated chairside knowledge and patient care skills
Strong communication and interpersonal abilities
Adaptability to new technologies and workflows in a modern studio environment
Excitement about contributing to a collaborative, high‑performing team
Ability to work a full‑time schedule (32–40 hours per week including some Saturdays) or part‑time schedule (2–3 days 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) plan to help you grow your nest egg.
Learning & Development
– Ongoing training, mentorship, and CE 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.
Pay Range: $23 USD - $28 USD
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 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.
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