What You'll Be Doing

Wake County Public Health is looking for a Dental Assistant to join the team!

 The Dental Clinic is an exceptional oral health care provider with a team-centered atmosphere that is seeking a flexible, high energy, patient-focused dental assistant to join our team and help us achieve our clinic goals. If you thrive on teamwork and helping provide the highest quality patient care to an underserved population, possess excellent communication skills and have a positive attitude, this position is for you!

The Dental Assistant position is responsible for assisting in providing comprehensive and emergency dental treatment to qualified citizens of Wake County. This position is required to provide chair-side dental assisting with a dentist and to assist with additional functions such as coronal polishing. General workload is determined by patient appointment schedule. The position will also be involved with providing guidance to dental students, dental assisting students and dental hygiene students. The Dental Assistant position will directly report to the Dental Assistant Supervisor.

Essential Functions of a Dental Assistant are:

• Direct patient care responsibilities involving appropriate management of treatment needs and patient behavior which include but are not limited to: being proficient in four-handed dentistry; exposing, developing, and mounting radiographs; seating and readying patient for dental provider (dentist, hygienist or dental student); dismissing patient and providing post-operative instructions as directed by the dentist; proper infection control/sterilization protocols related to the dental setting; application of dental sealants; performing coronal polishing and applying Fluoride varnish; familiarity with use and handling of different dental materials implemented during restorative dental procedures.
• Responsible for providing educational opportunities for rotating dental students, dental hygiene students and dental assisting students
• Responsible for maintaining and developing a good working relationship with entire WCHHS Dental Clinic conducive of establishing a team centered working environment
• Participation and involvement with community outreach events such as Give Kids A Smile in efforts to promote public relations
• Responsible for staying abreast on latest dental techniques and materials as well as infection control standards for the dental setting as specified by the CDC, OSHA and other regulation entities
• Ability to complete necessary encounters and charts accurately to document services rendered to patients.

Work Schedule: M-Th: 7:30am-5:15pm; Fri: 7:30am-12:00pm 

About Our Team

At the heart of the Wake County Public Health department is a dedicated team of professionals committed to protecting and improving the health of our community. We bring together expertise in communicable disease control, environmental health, health education, school health, clinical services, and population health to deliver responsive and equitable services. With a shared mission of promoting wellness, preventing disease, and ensuring access to essential services, we work collaboratively with partners and residents to build a healthier, more resilient community for all of Wake County.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• High school diploma or GED
• Graduate of an ADA accredited dental assisting program, or DANB certification
• Six months of experience as a dental assistant
• CPR, Dental X ray certification
• Coronal polishing certification
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Experience with Dentrix Patient Management Software
• Spanish Language Skills preferred but not required
• At least 1 year experience in a pediatric dental setting

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Ability to stay active/current CPR certification
• Ability to stay abreast on latest dental techniques and materials as well as infection control standards for the dental setting as specified by the CDC, OSHA and other regulation entities
• Ability to complete necessary encounters and charts accurately to document services rendered to patients
• Knowledge of dental materials
• Ability to assist dentist in restorative dental procedures
• Knowledge of proper infection control/sterilization procedures
• Knowledge of exposing, processing, & mounting dental radiograph

About This Position

Location: Public Health Building Raleigh, NC 27610

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: M-Th: 7:30am-5:15pm; Fri: 7:30am-12:00pm

Hiring Range: 25.35 - 28.27

Market Range: 25.35 - 31.18

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 6/5/2026

What Makes Wake Great

Equal Opportunity Statement

Background Check Statement

Emergency Service Worker Statement

What Makes Wake Great

Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and 2006 Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four-year terms. In Fall 2026, two at-large seats will be added for nine total commissioners. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2026 General Fund budget is approximately $2.1 billion, and the County has over 5,100 full time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.