Riccobene and Commonwealth Career Paths
“Changing Lives One Smile at a Time”
At Riccobene Associates and Commonwealth Dentistry, we believe that growth takes many forms - and no two journeys look exactly alike. Our Career Connections page is here to highlight real stories from team members who have explored new paths within our organization.
You’ll find personal experiences and testimonials from employees who’ve transitioned into new roles - sharing what inspired their growth, the qualifications that supported it, and the steps they took to get there. Whether it was moving into a leadership role, pursuing clinical development, or exploring a different area of the practice, these stories reflect the diverse paths available throughout our family of practices.
These journeys are reflections of what’s possible when passion, commitment, and opportunity align. Because we operate across multiple states - including North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia-some career paths may look slightly different based on location and state requirements.
We hope these stories inspire you to explore your own path, connect with your leaders, and envision what’s next - wherever your journey begins.
Hygiene Assistant
The position is responsible for supporting dental care delivery by preparing the treatment room, instruments, and materials, supporting the patient through the visit with the hygienist, passing instruments and materials to the hygienist as needed, and performing all these procedures in compliance with company's highest standards of care.
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• DA1 Certification
• X-ray certified
• CPR certified
• Ability to professionally present clinical information regarding treatment plans and insurance information to patients.
• Regular and timely attendance
• Positive attitude and eagerness to learn
• Adaptable to business needs
• Ability to demonstrate independent thinking and exercise good judgment
• Ability to formulate, affect, interpret, and/or implement operating practices
• Ability to demonstrate a teamwork approach to job responsibilities
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, dependability and promptness
• Must perform frequent repetitive work with attention to detail
• Must have the ability to be flexible and accept different work assignments within the practice, including traveling to other locations with a positive approach
• Ability to follow instructions and takes responsibility for own actions
• Ability to exercise confidentiality with Patients and patient care
• Must listen attentively for clarification to ensure necessary outcomes.
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• Assists the hygienist providing dental treatment
• Functions as a treatment coordinator and prepares and presents treatment plans to patient
• Schedules patient appointment to accommodate potential obstacles
• Supports front desk as needed with scheduling and recall reports during downtime
• Support front desk with calling to confirm appointments
• Maintains dental instruments, supplies and equipment
• Complete HA daily checklist and complete half sheets
• Collects and records patient health histories
• Assists with patient management during dental procedures
• Completes instrument cleaning & sterilization and post-op sanitization of treatment rooms
• Prepares dental materials and equipment as needed for the scheduled treatment
• Completes dental and restoration charting
• Is responsible for inventory supply and other ancillary duties
• Escalating issues to Office Manager
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned
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Exceed Expectations on last Performance Review
Successful Interview with Office/Area Manager and Hygienist
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Step 1: Shadow HA to establish interest
Step 2 : Complete # cross-train hours
Step 3: Earn X-Ray cert, CPR (or CP if needed)
Step 4: Successful WI completed
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Perio charting
Mx his
Xrays
CP
CPR
Scheduling in Denticon/Dentrix Ascend
Relationship build w/ RDH
Dental Assistant
The position is responsible for supporting dental care delivery by preparing the treatment room, instruments, and materials, supporting the patient through the visit with the dentist, passing instruments and materials to the dentist as needed, and performing all these procedures in compliance with the company’s highest standards of care.
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DA Training
X-ray certified
CPR certified, or will become CPR certified within 30 days of hire
Ability to professionally present clinical information regarding treatment plans and insurance information to patients.
Regular and timely attendance
Positive attitude and eagerness to learn
Adaptable to business needs
Ability to demonstrate independent thinking and exercise good judgment
Ability to formulate, affect, interpret, and/or implement operating practices
Ability to demonstrate a teamwork approach to job responsibilities
Ability to demonstrate initiative, dependability and promptness
Must perform frequent repetitive work with attention to detail
Must have the ability to be flexible and accept different work assignments within the practice, including traveling to other locations with a positive approach
Ability to follow instructions and takes responsibility for own actions
Ability to exercise confidentiality with Patients and patient care
Must listen attentively for clarification to ensure necessary outcomes
Has excellent telephone techniques and can communicate clearly with patients and team members in person and on phone conversations
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Exceed Expectations on last Performance Review
Successful Interview with Office/Area Manager and Doctor
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Step 1: All certs above earned + N20 and CP (if required by provider)
Step 2: Cross train # hours chairside
Step 3: successful WI completed
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Time Management and anticipating of doctors needs
Supporting doctor in scheduling structure and flowRelationship building with pt and doc
Comfortable discussing pt education and treatment phases/planning
Christine Fisher
With 18 years of dental assisting experience and 4.5 years at Riccobene, Christine shares how combining her passion for assisting with her role as assistant office manager has helped her grow—and why learning every part of the office makes you truly invaluable
Dental Assistant II or Expanded Functions (NC/SC-Specific)
The Dental Assistant is responsible for supporting dental care delivery by preparing the treatment room, instruments, and materials, assisting the patient throughout their visit, and passing instruments and materials to the dentist as needed. This role also includes performing expanded functions as permitted by state regulations and under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
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In addition to those of a Dental Assistant :
Expanded functions may include, depending on state authorization and certification:Applying topical anesthetics, fluoride varnish, and sealants
Performing coronal polishing
Assisting in the administration and monitoring of nitrous oxide sedation
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Exceed Expectations on last Performance Review
Certifications required by state regulations (ex. N20, Coronal Polishing)
Successful Interview with Office/Area Manager and Doctor
Lead Dental Assistant
The Lead Dental Assistant is responsible for supporting dental care delivery by preparing the treatment room, instruments, and materials, assisting the patient throughout their visit, and passing instruments and materials to the dentist as needed. This role also includes performing expanded functions as permitted by state regulations and under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Taking ownership of ordering, acts as office OSHA and radiation officer, and ordering of clinical supplies. Will partner with office manager to train and mentor other Dental and Hygiene Assistants.
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In addition to those of a Dental Assistant (II) :
A minimum of 3 years of experience as a Dental Assistant
A minimum of 1 year tenure with company
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Exceed Expectations on last Performance Review
Certifications required by state regulations (ex. N20, Coronal Polishing)
Successful Interview with Office/Area Manager and Doctor
Sydney Pittman
From patient coordinator to assistant office manager in under two years — Sydney Pittman shares how asking questions, taking on more responsibility, and always showing up prepared her for her next goal: becoming an office manager.
Assistant Office Manager
The AOM will provide daily support where necessary to ensure business operations are running smoothly. This will better allow the Office or Area Manager to dedicate the necessary time and attention to the strategic operational objectives for the location. This role will not have direct reports; however, strong influential skills are required to manage tasks with support of their co-workers. Ability to communicate effectively with others; sets a positive tone in the practice and is technological savvy. This person must align with the office manager and show a united front with staff. It is super critical to ensure the AOM does not undermine the office manager and that the communication, purpose, mission, and messaging is consistent. Individuals must be always reliable and present. In addition, escalate any issues, or concerns to OM in a timely manner to be addressed. To be successful in this role, the person must always remain objective, maintain confidentiality and ensure we are meeting the necessary goals/target of the office.
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• Monitor schedule (Patient flow, correct apt. times, seat patients)
• Periodic assistance for room turnover & instrument sterilization
• Address minor patient complaints
• Coordinate hygiene exams to assist doctors in completing these in a timely manner.
• Ensure communication with patients and front when running behind schedule to mitigate patient dissatisfaction.
• Support clinical staff with creating, editing, and proper use of Tx plan in practice management software.
• Support clinical staff with insurance and account balance/billing questions
• Support staff with pricing questions
• Support and back-up for insurance verification
• Provide training and direction to FD personnel in PMS, closing, check-out, Finance plans, etc.
• Oversee proper balancing and close out of front desk daily
• Ensure lab cases are tracked prior to any necessary appointments and tracked in a practice management system.
• Ordering office supplies , and assist with review of clinical order invoices for approval
• Bank deposits or running necessary errands per direction of OM.
• Manage mail checks – review for accuracy & scan for collection person to post.
• Assist with posting of mail checks per OM discretion
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Exceed Expectations on last Performance Review
Successful Interview with Office/Area Manager and Doctor
Desean Wright
Desean’s journey: assistant ➝ lead ➝ manager. His message? Be a team player, learn every role, and get comfortable being uncomfortable — growth comes when you push past fear.
Jordan Maddox
From hygiene assistant to office manager — Jordan Maddox shares her 8‑year journey at Commonwealth Dentistry and why embracing feedback and learning new skills fueled her growth.
Stephanie Smith
Stephanie reflects on starting during the pandemic, helping grow Porters Neck into a multi‑specialty hub, and discovering her passion for developing people. Her message: listen well, know your team’s strengths, lead by example, and never ask someone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.
Office Manager
The purpose of a dental office manager is to assist all staff in any way possible to become more efficient, productive, and competent, thus helping to create a profitable practice that delivers excellent service to patients.
This position is responsible for guiding the dental practice team to achievement of productivity and financial and patient satisfaction goals. Through management of revenues, front office procedures and practices, marketing and promotional programs, team development, and patient relations, this is a pivotal position that requires organization, positive interactions, excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, and willingness to assist with and/or direct a variety of responsibilities in the dental office.
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The dental office manager will manage the following duties and provide general supervision of the patient coordinators, dental assistants, dental hygienists, sterilization techs, treatment coordinators and others as assigned. Office Managers are expected to partner with onsite associate dentists to ensure the following: (Duties include but are not necessarily limited to):
• Oversees the responsibilities and duties of all the office personnel to ensure efficient and compliant operations within the practice
• Support community marketing events
• Responsible for personnel management duties including hiring, developing and coaching of employees
• Responsible for generating monthly reports and other intermittent reports
• Ensure expenses and invoices are submitted through electronic system in a timely manner
• Provides support to dentists and other team members on treatment planning, billing and insurance matters
• Required to have a detailed knowledge of the entire practice spectrum from patient care to business operations in order to make decisions that directly impact the success of the business
• Ensures the dental office is stocked with inventory such as dental supplies, tools, and office supplies.
• Responds to doctor, patient and employee concerns and inquiries
• General office duties and other duties as required
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Exceed Expectations on last Performance Review
Successful Interview with Area/Regional Manager, Director and Lead Doctor
Olyvia Blackwell
Olyvia reflects on starting up front, returning to school for her DA certification, and learning the instruments and workflows in sterilization to build confidence before stepping chairside. Her message: stay open‑minded, ask questions, and don’t hold yourself back from growing.
Sterilization Technician
The Sterilization Technician plays a vital role in supporting the dental clinical team by ensuring all instruments and equipment are properly cleaned, sterilized, organized, and maintained according to infection control protocols, OSHA standards, and office policies. This position works in a fast‑paced environment and requires strong attention to detail to maintain a safe and compliant workspace. Responsibilities include processing instruments, maintaining sterilization logs, managing inventory, and preparing operatories to support smooth clinical operations. While the role does not involve direct patient care, the Sterilization Technician is essential to maintaining an efficient workflow and helping the practice deliver high‑quality, safe dental care
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Previous Sterilization Technician or back office dental experience preferred
Regular and timely attendance
Ability to demonstrate a teamwork approach to job responsibilities
Must perform frequent repetitive work with attention to detail
Must have the ability to be flexible and accept different work assignments with a positive approach
Ability to exercise confidentiality with Patients and patient care
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Practice proper cleaning and sanitization of all dental equipment.
Correctly package instruments and supplies for sterilization and operate the autoclave in accordance with safety standards.
Clean, reset, and prepare operatories between patients to ensure a safe and organized environment.
Ensure each operatory is fully stocked with essential supplies (e.g., gloves, masks, floss, toothbrushes, toothpaste).
Assist with limited administrative duties such as reminder calls and scanning front‑desk records.
Manage laundry, including blankets, lab coats, and other washable items.
Perform moderate janitorial tasks as needed to maintain cleanliness throughout the office.
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Exceed Expectations on last Performance Review
Successful Interview with Office/Area Manager and Managing Doctor
Madison Pittman
Madison Pittman reflects on her progression from front‑desk coordinator to regional manager, the impact of strong mentorship, and the importance of staying open, honest, and eager to grow—even when you don’t yet know what the future looks like.
Regional Manager
This role consists of leading, building and developing highly successful teams who provide the highest level of patient service, build a great team and lead the growth of revenue and profitability within the practices they support. This person will implement superior management techniques, improving systems, processes and procedures to enhance business practices and productivity with a constant focus on improving efficiencies across all departments
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Working knowledge of dental procedures and terminology
2+ years managing multiple practice or retail store locations
Experience in dental practice management
Experience with practice management software
Strong organizational skills, accuracy and attention to detail
Ability to frequently travel
Strong verbal and written communication skills
High level of maturity, personal initiative, and sound judgment
Outstanding relationship-building, interpersonal and leadership skills
Exceptional customer service skills, with the ability to build a comfortable and approachable relationship with patients
Adequate dedicated space at home or alternate work location to allow and support work-related activities
Ability to manage under pressure and meet deadlines
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Overseeing the administrative operations of supported dental offices
Creating a working partnership with clinical leadership in the offices and support services such as setting goals and addressing operational opportunities within their supported office
Motivate team members, resolve conflicts and make difficult decisions
Ability to analyze business reporting and create recommendation/action to attainment of yearly budgetary and contribution goals, prioritizing supported practice performance issues to ensure issues impacting Same Office Growth (SOG), revenue and profitability (EBITDA) are addressed first
Monitor the P&L statements for each supported practice and develop effective ways to close the gaps between actual performance and company projections
Responsible for hiring, training and coaching Office Managers
Develop workforce planning, recruiting and retention strategy to maintain optimum performance of each supported practice
Provide reports and recommendations, as needed, to management on supported practices
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Exceed Expectations on last Performance Review
Successful Interview with Director, COO, and VP of HR
Lauren Totino
From hygiene assistant to licensed dental hygienist — Lauren Totino shares her four‑year journey with Commonwealth Dentistry and how perseverance helped her break into one of the most competitive programs
Registered Dental Hygienist
Our Dental Hygienists are more than clinicians—they’re trusted partners in helping patients achieve lifelong oral health. Working side by side with our dentists, you’ll play a vital role in delivering compassionate care, building patient confidence, and ensuring every visit leaves a smile. As a Dental Hygienist here, you’ll promote dental wellness through preventive care, oral cancer screenings, periodontal maintenance, and patient education—all while upholding the highest standards of excellence that define our practice.
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Graduate of a dental hygiene certificate program or Associate’s degree in Dental Hygiene
Current Dental Hygienist license in the state of work
Strong judgment, independent thinking, and initiative
Team-oriented mindset with flexibility to adapt to different assignments
Commitment to confidentiality and patient trust
Excellent communication skills—both in person and over the phone
Ability to interpret written, oral, and diagrammed instructions with precision
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Assess patient dental health through screenings, charting, and medical history reviews
Deliver direct patient care, including cleanings, polishing, and preventive treatments
Take radiographs to support accurate diagnosis and treatment planning
Apply sealants and fluoride to protect teeth and prevent decay
Maintain precise electronic records and document patient history
Educate patients on oral hygiene, diet, and homecare for lasting dental health
Clean and sterilize instruments to ensure a safe environment
Collaborate with dentists to complete treatment plans and explain them clearly to patients
Serve as the primary treatment coordinator, ensuring patients feel informed and supported
Assist with additional office responsibilities as needed, contributing to a smooth patient experience
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Exceed Expectations on last Performance Review
Successful Interview with Office/Area Manager, Doctor, and Director of Hygiene
Cearena Sweeney
From pediatrics to ortho to treatment coordinator — Cearena shares how embracing change, staying open to opportunity, and trusting her growth helped her build a career where she transforms smiles every day.
Treatment Coordinator
The Treatment Coordinator serves as an advocate and educator in creating treatment plans for dental care. The role is essential in securing treatment plan acceptance and coordination of financial resources and/or insurance requirements and billing practices. Additionally, this role assists the in greeting patients, scheduling appointments, answering phones, and other office responsibilities as required. The Treatment Coordinator exhibits an efficient, knowledgeable and positive countenance to every patient experience.
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Previous Front Office Dental experience required
Computer proficiency and the ability to learn new programs to include Microsoft Office Suite
Knowledge and experience with dental treatment plans and insurance requirements preferred
Knowledge of Microsoft office products and other dental/medical practice management software preferred.
Ability to demonstrate initiative, dependability and promptness
Ability to manage multiple activities through time management and organizational approach
Ability to work in fast paced environment
Strong written presentation and communication skills
Ability to travel between locations (if applicable)
Ability to demonstrate independent thinking as well as a teamwork approach to job responsibilities
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Conduct interview to understand the patient’s oral health history, concerns, and objectives
Explain the treatment plan, address patient concerns and answer any questions
Assist the patient in prioritizing the treatment and establish a plan for scheduling and payment
Build trust, and understand the patient’s objectives
Conduct financial consultations with all new patients and with existing patients when new treatment plans are presented.
Manage and maintain the payment options and policies for patients to uphold the practice’s financial integrity.
Understand the practice’s policy on working with dental benefit plans and be prepared to educate patients on their dental benefits.
Bill dental insurance, post payments, and claim estimations as required.
Oversee and track dental benefit plan accounts receivable and follow-up on claims regularly to ensure timely payment.
Communicate with all outside and third-party financing companies offered to patients and educate patients on the available outside financing options.
Track patient accounts receivable and outstanding balances to ensure timely payment.
Assist in Practice’s collections protocol for all outstanding balances.
Introduce new patients to the practice by going over health history, explaining the doctor’s examination, and describing any other features about the practice that should be highlighted.
Conduct treatment consultations with all new patients and with existing patients when new treatment plans are presented.
Greet and check patients in and out before and after treatment.
Answer incoming calls to include, new patient calls, emergencies, scheduling patient appointments, requesting records, and follow up.
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Exceed Expectations on last Performance Review
1 year of tenure with the company
Successful Interview with Office/Area Manager and Managing Doctor
Amanda Sortizza-Harris
From PC to office manager to regional RCM lead — Amanda shares her journey on the Coast and how stepping outside her comfort zone, learning every part of RCM, and going above and beyond in each role helped her grow into a leader supporting every office on the coast.
Revenue Cycle Management
Employees in Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) oversee the financial processes that support patient care by - , ensuring accurate coding, submitting and tracking claims, resolving denials, posting payments, and following up on outstanding balances. Many team members grow into RCM roles through hands-on experience in the offices, often starting as Patient Coordinators who develop strong front‑desk and insurance verification skills, Office Managers who gain a deep understanding of workflow and financial processes, and office-specific A/R representatives who handle account follow-up. Regional representatives also transition into RCM by applying their broader operational insight, ultimately progressing into specialized roles such as Team Leads. This career path allows employees to build on their customer service, problem‑solving, and operations experience to support accurate and efficient reimbursement across the organization.
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The dental office manager will manage the following duties and provide general supervision of the patient coordinators, dental assistants, dental hygienists, sterilization techs, treatment coordinators and others as assigned. Office Managers are expected to partner with onsite associate dentists to ensure the following: (Duties include but are not necessarily limited to):
• Oversees the responsibilities and duties of all the office personnel to ensure efficient and compliant operations within the practice
• Support community marketing events
• Responsible for personnel management duties including hiring, developing and coaching of employees
• Responsible for generating monthly reports and other intermittent reports
• Ensure expenses and invoices are submitted through electronic system in a timely manner
• Provides support to dentists and other team members on treatment planning, billing and insurance matters
• Required to have a detailed knowledge of the entire practice spectrum from patient care to business operations in order to make decisions that directly impact the success of the business
• Ensures the dental office is stocked with inventory such as dental supplies, tools, and office supplies.
• Responds to doctor, patient and employee concerns and inquiries
• General office duties and other duties as required
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Exceed Expectations on last Performance Review
Successful Interview with Area/Regional Manager, Director and Lead Doctor
The Riccobene Experience.
It all begins with you. Take a look at what it looks like working at Riccobene Associates. We are all about driving patient care, but also about having fun!!! With our tiktok challenges, sprit weeks, employee appreciation days and annual Holiday Party!!!
Core Values.
It all begins with our mission and vision of ‘changing lives one smile at a time’, but how can we achieve this? Check out the key values of a Riccobene Employee. This is what distinguishes our company from others
#CoreValue Video