Dental assistant jobs in Paterson, NJ

We offer a competitive hourly rate plus a monthly performance bonus tied to your production and clinical excellence. Our top-earning Lead Hygienists make up to $77/hour in NYC, combining base pay and bonus potential - with clear goals, transparency, and the support to help you thrive. As a Lead Dental Hygienist at Tend, you'll do more than deliver top-tier preventive care - you'll also set the standard for hygiene excellence in your studio. You'll model best practices for patient care, mentor and coach fellow hygienists and hygiene assistants, and collaborate with dentists and operations leaders to drive both clinical and business success. You'll still treat a well-booked schedule of patients in our Team (Assisted) Hygiene model, while also guiding protocols, training, and continuous improvement for the hygiene team. At Tend, we're committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive environment where both our patients and our teams feel respected, represented, and truly cared for. Our model is built for driven hygienist leaders: those who value autonomy, inspire others, and take pride in building a culture of high-performance care. What You'll Do Deliver comprehensive preventive and periodontal care - including prophylaxis, periodontal maintenance, scaling and root planing (SRP), gingivitis scaling, oral cancer screenings, Itero scans, sealants, Zoom whitening, Perio Protect, Curodont, fluoride treatments, and patient education - all in alignment with evidence-based clinical guidelines Provide leadership and mentorship to hygienists and hygiene assistants, setting expectations, coaching performance, and ensuring adherence to Tend's clinical standards Collaborate with dental assistants to optimize studio-wide hygiene flow, sterilization protocols, and room turnover efficiency Partner with dentists on exams and treatment planning, reinforcing comprehensive care and seamless handoffs for patients Proactively drive hygiene production across the team by identifying opportunities, supporting same-day treatment acceptance, and monitoring key metrics Lead regular hygiene team meetings, provide feedback, and champion CE opportunities and professional development for the hygiene team Partner closely with studio managers and doctors to ensure the hygiene department is meeting patient care, quality, and business objectives Build strong, lasting relationships with patients through trust, education, and consistent care - setting the tone for the hygiene experience at Tend Who You Are You embody our Tend values and elevate them as a leader - setting the example for patients, teammates, and the hygiene team. Tend Values Tend to Others - Foster exceptional patient experiences and a collaborative team culture Be Brave Enough to Lead - Model integrity and accountability, and empower others to do the same Savor the Ride - Celebrate wins, bring positivity, and keep the team motivated in a fast-paced environment Embrace Our Differences - Promote inclusivity and respect in every interaction, creating a safe space for patients and teammates Rooted in Growth - Lead with a growth mindset, offering feedback, mentorship, and opportunities for continuous learning Role-Based Competencies Builds Trust & Inspires Confidence - Earns confidence from patients and teammates by modeling honesty, authenticity, and clinical excellence Leads Collaboration - Unites roles and functions across the studio to elevate patient care and team performance Guides with Adaptability - Adjusts leadership approach in real time, balancing multiple priorities while coaching others to do the same What You Have Degree from an accredited dental hygiene program Current, active hygiene license in the state you're applying for Current Anesthesia/Nitrous license in applicable state Current CPR/BLS certification Prior leadership, mentorship, or training experience in a hygiene setting preferred Comfort with digital charting and x-rays, intraoral cameras, and technology-driven care Ability to model accountability, give feedback, and support teammates in their professional growth Open to a full-time schedule (32-40 hours/week including AM/PM and Saturday shifts) 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 performing hygiene procedures and coaching team members Manual dexterity and fine motor skills to handle instruments, perform scaling and polishing, and operate clinical equipment Adequate vision (with or without correction) to read charts, assess oral conditions, interpret radiographs, and document findings Ability to bend, reach, and maintain ergonomic positioning for patient care throughout the day Occasional lifting or movement of equipment, instrument trays, and supplies up to 25 pounds Ability to communicate effectively and compassionately 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: 🦷 Assisted Hygiene - A dental assistant to support your patient flow and prep 🎓 CE & Professional Development - Virtual and in-person learning opportunities, with added leadership training for Leads 🛡️ Malpractice Insurance - Full coverage provided 🩺 Health Comes First - Medical, dental, and vision insurance - plus our own Dental Wellness Program 🌴 Time to Recharge - Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and company holidays - because rest is productive 💰 Plan for the Future - 401(k) with company match 💡 Support, When You Need It - Life & AD&D insurance, EAP, legal support, and more 🛍️ Smart Spending Options - FSAs, HSAs, and pre-tax transit benefits #LI-Onsite The base pay range listed reflects the hourly wage for this position and is determined by a variety of factors, including experience, skills, qualifications, and market conditions. Base Pay Range $58-$62 USD Hygienists at Tend are eligible for a monthly performance bonus based on clinical and operational key performance indicators (KPIs). Bonus pay is distributed monthly but reflected in the listed range as an hourly equivalent. Bonus amounts vary by provider, market, and schedule, and actual earnings may differ depending on individual productivity and studio performance. Bonus Pay Range $1-$15 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 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.