Dental Assistant Intern at Orchid HR

A leading dental clinic in Nairobi is looking for motivated recent graduates and final-year students to join its team as Dental Assistant Interns. This is an entry-level opportunity for individuals who are starting out in dental care and want practical, hands-on experience in a busy, well-established clinic.

As an intern, you will work closely with experienced dentists and dental assistants and take part in the day-to-day running of the clinic. You will gain exposure to chairside assistance, treatment room preparation, infection control and sterilization, dental radiography, laboratory coordination, patient records and front-of-house patient care. Throughout the internship, you will be guided and supervised by the clinical team as you build the skills and confidence needed to grow in the profession.

JOB PURPOSE

The Dental Assistant Intern supports the dental team in providing safe, efficient and high-quality patient care. The role helps ensure that every patient feels welcomed, comfortable and well looked after from arrival to the end of their visit, while the intern learns chairside assistance, infection control, laboratory coordination and clinic administration under the guidance of the dentists and lead dental assistants.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Welcome patients on arrival, confirm appointment details and escort them to the treatment suite.
• Help patients get seated and settled in the dental chair, and alert the dental team to any concerns or discomfort.
• Set up the treatment suite, instruments and materials before each procedure, as directed.
• Support the dentist during procedures under close supervision, learning to anticipate the dentist's needs.
• Learn to prepare, handle and pass dental instruments correctly, and keep all instruments accounted for.
• Clean and sterilize instruments and equipment after each procedure in line with the clinic's infection control protocols.
• Disinfect surfaces, dispose of clinical waste safely and restock consumables between patients.
• Observe and assist with dental X-rays under the direct supervision of the dentist, following radiation safety protocols.
• Assist with preparing, dispatching, receiving and recording laboratory cases.
• Assist in updating and filing patient records, treatment notes and consent forms accurately.
• Support patient education on brushing, flossing and post-treatment care.
• Assist with answering calls, scheduling appointments, billing queries and general office tasks as requested.
• Attend clinic meetings and training sessions, and take part in the clinic's day-to-day learning programme.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Diploma or Certificate in Dental Assisting, Dental Technology, Oral Health or a related clinical field, or in the final stage of study and due to graduate shortly
• No prior work experience required; any clinical attachment or placement in a dental or healthcare setting is an added advantage
• Basic understanding of dental instruments, infection control and hygiene standards
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel and email)
• Warm, professional and caring approach towards patients
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to cleanliness and safety
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to remain calm and focused in a busy clinic environment
• Integrity, discretion and reliability in handling patient information
• Willingness to learn, take direction and work as part of a team

Apply for this vacancy

Deadline: Thursday, October 15, 2026

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