Certified Dental Assistant Position
Join Our Specialized Pediatric Dental Care Team
About Us
Dr. Phoebe Tsang and team have been providing specialized pediatric care tailored to individual patient need for almost 20 years. We take pride in being the oral health advocates for all children aged 0-18.
1 Position Overview
1.1 Your Role
A Certified Dental Assistant supports dental care delivery by preparing the patients, treatment room, instruments and materials. More importantly, CDA at our clinic are independent clinicians who assist the dentist in providing patient education, comfort, care and administration support related to treatment procedures.
Full or Part Time Positions: New grads are encouraged to apply.
1.2 The Ideal Candidate
Our ideal Certified Dental Assistant is someone who embodies our commitment to excellence in pediatric dental care. We’re looking for individuals who demonstrate:
1.2.1 Professional Growth
A self-motivated approach to learning, showing initiative in staying current with dental techniques and continuously developing their skills. We value team members who actively seek opportunities to expand their knowledge and contribute to our practice’s evolution.
1.2.2 Patient Care Philosophy
A patient-centered mindset with genuine compassion and enthusiasm for working with children. The ability to create a welcoming, comfortable environment for young patients and their families is essential to our practice’s success.
1.2.3 Operational Excellence
Strong multitasking abilities and prioritization skills that enable smooth clinic operations. Our ideal candidate can efficiently manage multiple responsibilities while maintaining attention to detail and quality of care.
1.2.4 Problem-Solving Approach
Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving capabilities, particularly in adapting to the unique challenges of pediatric dentistry. We value team members who can think critically and respond effectively to various clinical situations.
1.2.5 Technical Proficiency
Strong computer skills are essential, with previous experience in dental software being particularly valuable. This technical foundation helps ensure efficient patient care and practice management.
1.2.6 Team Integration
A genuinely team-oriented mentality that contributes to our collaborative care environment. We seek individuals who understand the importance of working together to provide the best possible patient experience.
2 Office Culture and Expectations
2.0.1 Patient Care and Empathy
A dental office staff member listens attentively to a patient’s concerns about pain during a procedure, reassuring them by saying:
“Thank you for letting us know—your comfort is important to us. Let me check how we can make this more comfortable for you”
The staff member then takes immediate steps to address the issue, demonstrating our commitment to patient comfort and proactive care.
2.0.2 Professional Etiquette
A staff member greets every patient warmly and promptly, even while multitasking, saying:
“Good morning! How can I help you today?”
They ensure the patient feels prioritized and welcomed, maintaining a professional demeanor throughout the interaction while keeping casual conversations with colleagues for private moments.
2.0.3 Team Communication
When a team member notices an issue with another’s performance, they approach the colleague directly and kindly, saying:
“Hey, I noticed the setup for rooms takes a bit longer sometimes—can I help or share a tip that works for me?”
Alternatively, they bring up concerns constructively during team meetings to foster collaborative problem-solving.
2.0.5 Patient Service
When a parent who arrived late expresses frustration about the wait time, a staff member responds empathetically:
“I understand how valuable your time is, and I’m sorry for the delay. Let me check on your place in line and see how we can help minimize your wait”
This response acknowledges their concerns while maintaining professionalism.
Non-Conforming Attitudes
2.0.6 Patient Care and Empathy
A dental office staff member dismisses a patient’s concerns about pain during a procedure, saying:
“It’s normal—just tough it out”
Without taking steps to alleviate the discomfort, this approach fails to demonstrate the patient-centered care we prioritize.
2.0.7 Professional Etiquette
A staff member casually chatting with a colleague in the reception area about their weekend plans while a patient waits to check in, ignoring the patient and delaying the interaction. When the patient finally approaches, the staff member greets them with a monotone, unenthusiastic:
“What do you need?”
Instead of following the scripted, warm, and professional greeting, the staff member shows disinterest while keeping a patient waiting.
2.0.8 Team Communication
During a break, a staff member complains to a colleague about another team member’s performance:
“I can’t believe how slow they are with setting up rooms; it’s so frustrating to work with them”
Instead of addressing the issue directly with the person involved or bringing it up through the appropriate management channels, this creates a negative work environment.
2.0.10 Patient Service
A parent who came late expresses frustration about a long wait time, raising their voice while explaining that they need to get back to work. Instead of responding empathetically, the staff member says in a dismissive tone:
“You’ll just have to wait like everyone else. We’re doing the best we can”
This response lacks empathy and professional courtesy.
3 Required Qualifications
3.1 Language Proficiency
Please visit our main careers page for information about our English speaking assessment requirements.
3.2 Knowledge Assessment
Please complete these assessments:
- Medical Emergencies: Med Emerg Quiz
- Special Needs Care: Special Needs Quiz
- Pediatric Dentistry: Ped Dent Quiz
- Prophylaxis: Prophy Quiz
3.3 Application Process
Please visit our main careers page for detailed information about our application process, including:
- Required assessments
- Application submission guidelines
- Interview process
- Knowledge requirements
4 Compensation and Benefits
4.1 Compensation
Our compensation philosophy is built on recognizing and rewarding excellence in patient care and professional development. We offer:
- A competitive base salary that reflects your experience, qualifications, and the vital role you play in our practice
- Regular performance reviews with opportunities for salary adjustments based on your growth and contributions
- Additional compensation for advanced certifications and specialized skills
- A transparent pay structure that values your dedication to our patients and practice
4.2 Benefits Package
We believe in supporting our team members’ professional growth and personal well-being. Our comprehensive benefits include:
- A structured training program that ensures you have the skills and confidence to excel in your role
- Ongoing educational opportunities to advance your career and stay current with industry developments
- A flexible benefits package that can be customized to your individual needs and circumstances
- A collaborative team environment where your contributions are valued and your growth is supported
5 Employee Guidelines
5.1 Attendance
Consistent attendance is essential for delivering optimal care to our patients. Punctuality is critical, and absences should be considerate of teammates.
5.2 Work Hours and Location
This position requires physical presence at our clinics 2-3 days per week: - Currently scheduled for Thursday and Friday (7:00 AM to 4:00 PM) - Schedule may change in future based on clinic needs - Additional days arranged by mutual agreement
5.3 Clinic Locations
You will work at one or both of our locations: - 1233 West Broadway, Vancouver - 459 East Columbia Street, New Westminster
5.3.1 Weekly Schedule
- Thursday and Friday: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM (in clinic)
- Monday through Wednesday: Schedule arranged by mutual agreement
- Occasional Saturdays: Rotated among team members
- All hours and lunch breaks must be recorded in the time clock for monthly reconciliation
5.3.2 Break Schedule
To comply with BC labor code requirements:
- One 30-minute meal break after 5 consecutive hours of work
- Break is unpaid only if you are completely relieved of duties
- If required to be available or handle any work matters during break, the break time will be paid
- Additional breaks for shifts longer than 10 hours will be provided as required by law
Break times must be recorded in the time clock system and coordinated with the clinical team to ensure continuous patient care coverage.
5.4 Holiday Requests
- 1-4 years of service: 2 weeks of holiday
- 5+ years of service: 3 weeks of holiday
- Clinic closures for dentist holidays are not counted towards personal holiday allowance
- Employees are encouraged to align their time off with clinic closures if possible
- Submit requests via email to management
- Advance notice: 1-2 days off (2-4 weeks); holidays longer than 3 days (6+ weeks)
- Requests will be considered based on frequency, seniority, and staff availability
5.5 Pay Periods
Pay is monthly via direct deposit. Payment schedule is posted in the lunchroom.
5.6 Dress Code
- Certified dental assistants: Scrubs
- Follow CDSBC infection control protocols
- Arrive in street clothes and change into scrubs/business attire at work
5.7 Internet and Personal Communications
To maintain focus on patient care and professional operations:
- Personal email use is not permitted during work hours
- Personal phone calls, text messages, and instant messaging are not allowed during work hours
- A work email account will be provided for all work-related communications
- All electronic communications should be conducted through official work channels only
5.8 Cell Phone Use
Leave personal cell phones in the lunchroom. Use them during lunch breaks only. Provide the office number for family emergencies.
5.9 Operation Monitoring System
As part of our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of service, we have comprehensive monitoring systems in place:
- Security cameras are installed throughout the facility for safety and performance review purposes
- Computer operation activity logs are maintained to ensure proper system usage
- All electronic communications and system activities are monitored
- Regular performance reviews incorporate data from these monitoring systems
- These systems help us:
- Ensure compliance with our policies and guidelines
- Identify opportunities for improvement
- Maintain security and professional standards
- Celebrate outstanding work and best practices