💬 Frequently Asked Questions

      Everything you need to know before working with The Chairside Collective.

Q1: Are your dental assistants licensed or certified?

Hawaiʻi does not require a state license for dental assistants, but all of our team members meet the following standards:

• Verified hands-on experience in clinical practice

• Radiology certification (X-ray qualified)

• HIPAA & OSHA-compliant

• Many with formal education (CDA, RDA, or EFDA-level)

• Liability insurance provided for each assistant

We also require continued professional development and up-to-date certifications where applicable.

Q2: Do we need to provide any training or orientation?

No formal training is necessary, All of our assistants are seasoned professionals- Or new to the Assisting Career. We require training and education.

At Chairside we “Vet” all candidates; However, we do recommend you:

• Provide a brief tour of your sterilization area and operatory layout

• Share any unique protocols, instruments, or preferences

• Let us know your software platform in advance

We handle the rest.

Q3: Is there a minimum shift length?

Yes:

• 4-hour minimum for half-day bookings

• 8-hour full-day coverage available

• We also offer hourly options for last-minute or short procedures, but half-day is most common.

Q4: What is your cancellation policy?

• Cancellations made 24+ hours in advance incur no fee

• Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled shift are subject to a 50% cancellation fee

• Emergency situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis

Q5: Are your assistants employees of our office?

No. All assistants provided by The Chairside Collective are independent contractors, which means:

• You do not withhold taxes or issue W-2s

• You are not responsible for workers' compensation, unemployment, or benefits

• We invoice your office as a third-party service provider, not an employer

This is in full compliance with Hawaiʻi and IRS independent contractor guidelines.

Q6: Do you serve all areas of Oʻahu?

Yes! We proudly provide coverage to:

• Honolulu metro

• Windward Oʻahu (Kailua, Kāneʻohe)

• Central Oʻahu (Mililani, Wahiawā, Waipiʻo)

• West Oʻahu (ʻEwa, Kapolei)

• North Shore & Leeward (Haleʻiwa, Waiʻanae)*

A travel fee may apply for some rural or extended-range locations.

Q7: Can we request the same assistant again?

Yes! We track every placement and always try to honor return requests. Familiarity supports continuity and trust—for you, your staff, and your patients.

Q8: Do you provide assistants for multi-day or extended coverage?

Absolutely. We support:

• Maternity leave

• Vacation relief

• Planned procedures (implant cases, ortho days, etc.)

• Multi-day or weekly office gaps

Let us know your schedule and we’ll create a custom coverage plan.

Q9 What happens if your assistant can't make it?

Reliability is our top priority, and we only work with professionals who understand the importance of showing up.

If an assistant becomes unavailable due to an emergency:

• We’ll notify you immediately

• We’ll attempt to reassign another qualified assistant

• If we cannot fulfill the shift, you will not be charged