Dental Assistant

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Dental Assistant - Advanced to support the Periodontology clinic within the Adams School of Dentistry. The role includes preparing the clinic, sterilizing instruments, assisting with a range of restorative and surgical procedures, and training dental students and residents under clinical faculty supervision.

Minimum education requires a high school diploma or equivalent with an accredited dental assisting program.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency and completion of an accredited dental assisting program, or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience in dental practice, clinical setting, or healthcare environment preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, providers, students and staff in a fast-paced clinical environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the clinic and set up trays using sterile techniques.
• Assist with restorative and surgical procedures and obtain informed consent.
• Prepare patients for procedures, review post-op instructions, and restock inventories.

Education

High school diploma or equivalency and completion of an accredited dental assisting program; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

**ELIGIBILITY FOR SIGN-ON BONUS

The selected candidate for this position may be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Qualified applicants must be selected from the candidate pool of this posting and meet the State policy following requirements:

To be eligible for a Sign-on bonus, an individual must not have worked in a probationary, permanent, or time-limited appointment in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including without limitation the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system in a position subject to the State Human Resources Act.

A newly hired permanent full time or permanent part-time (more than 20 hours a week) employee are eligible for a sign-on bonus (this will be prorated for employees working more than 20 hours and less than 40 hours per week).

This SHRA Sign-on Bonus is contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. All recipients must sign the Pay Back Agreement form. Additional information regarding the SHRA Sign-on Policy can be found https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy

Posting Information

Posting Information

Department

Department ASOD Periodontology-436530

Career Area Health Professional (Physician/Nurse/Other)

Is this an internal only recruitment?

Is this an internal only recruitment? No

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 11/05/2026

Application Deadline

Application Deadline 11/19/2026

Position Type

Position Type Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title

Position Title Dental Assistant - Advanced

Salary Grade Equivalent

Salary Grade Equivalent MH05 / GN07

Working Title

Position Number

Position Number 00055911

Vacancy ID

Vacancy ID P021531

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited Full-Time Permanent

If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC -Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The UNC Adams School of Dentistry Division of Comprehensive Oral Health houses several disciplines including, Periodontology, Dental Hygiene, Comprehensive Dentistry, Operative Dentistry/BioMaterials, Prosthodontics, and Endodontics. The Operative discipline focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of defects of the teeth that do not require full coverage restorations for correction.

Position Summary

A SIGN -ON BONUS OF $2,000 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT FOR THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE . $1,000 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE AND $1,000 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE . The Dental Assistant is responsible for providing dental and surgical assisting duties to the Periodontology clinic. Tasks include preparing the clinic, setting up trays using sterile techniques, assisting with a variety of restorative and surgical procedures, assisting with obtaining informed consent, and obtaining and documenting pre- and post-op vitals. The Dental Assistant will be responsible for preparing patients for their procedure and subsequently reviewing post-op instructions, assisting patient and families as needed, and restocking the inventories in the rooms in a prescribed manner. The Dental Assistant will assist clinical faculty in training dental, dental auxiliary, and graduate specialty students in clinical practice as well as providing dental assisting as needed in support of the Division. This includes monitoring/implementing clinic policies and procedures, restorative and surgical tray preparation, sterilization of instruments and maintaining asepsis, exposing and processing radiographs, seating and interacting with patients, collecting and recording patient data, taking intraoral photographs, and providing chairside assistance to students, graduate residents and faculty.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency and completion of an accredited dental assisting program; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Management Preferences

• Experience working in a dental practice, dental clinic, academic dental setting, or healthcare environment with direct patient interaction.
• Certification, specialized training, or advanced education in a healthcare-related field preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with patients, providers, students, and staff in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Experience working in a team environment, and providing support with various surgical dental
• Knowledge of OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens, sterile technique, and infection control guidelines and procedures.

Required Licenses/Certifications

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Special Instructions

**ELIGIBILITY FOR SIGN-ON BONUS

The selected candidate for this position may be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Qualified applicants must be selected from the candidate pool of this posting and meet the State policy following requirements:

To be eligible for a Sign-on bonus, an individual must not have worked in a probationary, permanent, or time-limited appointment in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including without limitation the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system in a position subject to the State Human Resources Act.

A newly hired permanent full time or permanent part-time (more than 20 hours a week) employee are eligible for a sign-on bonus (this will be prorated for employees working more than 20 hours and less than 40 hours per week).

This SHRA Sign-on Bonus is contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. All recipients must sign the Pay Back Agreement form. Additional information regarding the SHRA Sign-on Policy can be found https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• List of References

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter
• Certification/licenses

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please select the response below that best describes your experience/education for the Dental Assistant position.
  • High school diploma or equivalency and completion of an accredited dental assisting program; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
  • Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate in a related field.
  • Did not complete HS but have a combination of HS education and experience to equal at least 5 years of experience in an area related to the assignment (e.g. 1 year HS and 4 years related experience).
  • None of the above.