Description

About Us

Dr O’Callaghan Dental Care is a private dental practice dedicated to delivering high-quality dental care in a friendly, safe, and patient-centred environment. We pride ourselves on professional ethics, continual improvement, and community wellbeing.

Job Purpose

The Dental Assistant will support the dentist and clinical team in providing dental care to patients. This includes chair-side assistance, instrument preparation, maintaining sterilization practices, patient care and administrative tasks. Ensuring compliance with South African regulations and maintaining high standards of infection control, safety, and patient care are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the dentist during dental procedures (e.g. restorative, extractions, fillings, impressions) by passing instruments, handling materials, suction, retracting, etc.
• Prepare and sterilise dental instruments and equipment; ensure that clinical environment is clean and safe.
• Set up the dental operatory prior to patient arrival: check all instruments, materials, disposables are ready.
• Maintain stock of dental supplies; order consumables as needed; do inventory.
• Disinfect, clean, and maintain instruments and equipment according to established protocols.
• Ensure adherence to infection prevention and control regulations, including proper disposal of medical waste.
• Assist in patient management: greet patients, help prepare them for treatment, ensure patient comfort and safety.
• Maintain accurate patient records; update charts, log procedures, sterilisation logs, stock usage.
• Assist with radiography if trained and permitted under law/regulation.
• Administrative tasks: scheduling appointments, answering phones, preparing paperwork, billing support.
• Comply with Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) standards in the clinic.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies (HPCSA, etc.).

Qualifications & Regulatory Requirements

• Certificate or Diploma in Dental Assisting from an accredited institution. For example, a National Certificate in Dental Assisting or Higher Certificate.
• National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent matric/Grade 12.
• Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Dental Assistant. It is legally required to practise.
• Must have completed accredited training from an institution recognised by HPCSA / the Professional Board for Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene.

Required Skills & Attributes

• Good understanding of dental instruments, materials, procedures, and sterilization/infection control protocols.
• Excellent manual dexterity, attention to detail, and ability to follow precise instructions.
• Good interpersonal skills: patient-centred, compassionate, ability to put patients at ease.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written), bilingual or multilingual ability advantageous (English + Afrikaans).
• Ability to work as part of a team, under supervision, and also to anticipate needs.
• Organisational skills: ability to handle multiple tasks, manage time well, maintain clean and efficient operatory.
• Basic IT / computer skills: record-keeping, scheduling software, Microsoft Office or clinic management software.
• Willingness to adhere to ethical and professional standards, confidentiality.

Additional / Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in private dental practice or similar environment.
• Experience with dental radiography (if trained & permitted).
• Knowledge of work-integrated learning (WIL) or practical clinical exposure.
• Valid driver’s license & reliable transport (if required for duties such as lab runs, supply collection etc.).

Compliance & Legal

• Must have a valid HPCSA registration number as Dental Assistant before employment begins. Unregistered practice is an offence.
• Stay updated with continuing professional development (CPD) as required by HPCSA.
• Adherence to Occupational Health and Safety Act, regulations for sterilisation, waste disposal, patient safety.
• Must follow the HPCSA rules of conduct and scope of practice for Dental Assistants.

Employment Terms

• Position Type: [Full-time, On site]
• Working hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00-17:00
• Remuneration: Competitive, based on experience and qualifications.

• Proven work experience in other reputed companies
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google tools
• Experience with software and technical tools that are needed for your job
• Excellent communication, negotiating, and selling skills
• Prioritizing, time management, and organizational skills
• Ability to tailor presentations to the needs of the audience
• Ensures continuity of work operations by documenting and communicating required actions to management; identifying irregularities; evaluating continuing needs
• Conducts research to develop, write, and update corporate policies, procedures, and methods; communicates developments to management
• Utilizes and implements new technologies, resources, and system redesign to carry out new projects; recommends re-deployment of designated resources
• Analyzes and implements cost-reduction measures, develops reporting procedures, and maintains workflow
• Systems and procedures are created and modified by analyzing operating practices; studying the use of microcomputers and software; evaluating personnel and technological requirements, and implementing changes
• Accomplishes department and organization mission by completing related results as needed.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Benefits of Working at Dr O’Callaghan Dental Care

At Dr O’Callaghan Dental Care, we believe in creating not only healthier smiles but also a rewarding and supportive workplace for our team. Here’s what you can look forward to when joining us:

Professional Growth

You’ll gain hands-on experience across a wide range of treatments — from general dentistry and pediatric care to sedation and even hospital-based procedures. We encourage continuous learning and growth.

Modern Tools & Techniques

Our practice is equipped with up-to-date technology and follows the latest techniques, ensuring you have the resources to provide precise, comfortable, and effective care.

Compassionate Culture

We foster a workplace that values empathy and patient comfort. Just as we strive to reduce fear and anxiety for our patients, we promote a supportive, respectful environment for our staff.

Strong Community Connection

Being rooted in Malmesbury and the wider Swartland region, we take pride in serving our community. Working here means building long-term relationships with patients and being part of a practice that is trusted locally.

Opportunities to Specialize

If you have an interest in areas such as pediatric dentistry, sedation, or advanced care, we provide opportunities to be involved and deepen your expertise.

Balanced Approach

We believe prevention is better than cure. This approach allows us to focus on quality care, giving you the time and support needed to prioritize patients’ well-being instead of rushing through procedures.