Dental Assistant - Pediatric Dentistry

The University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Iowa College of Dentistry, Pediatric Department is seeking a dedicated dental assistant to support dentists, dental students, and hygienists in pediatric and special needs care. The role offers rotation through diverse clinical settings, delivering broad clinical exposure and meaningful patient interactions on campus.

You will assist with examinations, restorations, and surgical procedures, support in four-handed dentistry, and help with pediatric sedation, radiographs, and

Qualifications

• CODA-accredited dental assisting program completed or 1-year full-time equivalency in chairside assisting.
• Current Iowa registration to practice as a dental assistant (QDA).
• Current Iowa certificate of proficiency in dental radiography (QDA).
• Expanded Functions (EF-1 and/or EF-2) may be required based on the provider's needs.
• Desirable: experience with children and fluent Spanish.
• Desirable: Certified Dental Assistant.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists and dental students with pediatric dentistry procedures from examinations to restorations and surgery.
• Dental assist doctors and students in providing oral health care to children with developmental disabilities.
• Assist with pediatric sedation including nitrous oxide analgesia and demonstrate DAU concepts to students.
• Explain procedures and oral hygiene products to patients and parents.
• Expose and process radiographs; set up trays and equipment for pediatric procedures.
• Restock supplies and sterilize instruments under OSHA guidelines.
• Support RDH as needed and maintain routine daily maintenance of dental equipment.

Skills

Experience with children

Spanish fluency

Excellent communication

Education

CODA-accredited dental assisting program or 1-year chairside experience

Job description

The College of Dentistry, Pediatric Department is seeking a motivated and compassionate professional to join our team. In this role, you’ll provide hands-on support to dentists, dental students, and hygienists as they deliver exceptional care to pediatric and special needs patients. This position offers the opportunity to rotate through a variety of clinical setting providing broad clinical exposure and meaningful patient care experiences. Bring your skills to our collaborative pediatric team.

• Assist dentists and dental students with pediatric dentistry procedures ranging from examination to restorative and surgical treatment.
• Dental assist doctors and students in the provision of oral health care to children with developmental disabilities.
• Dental assist with oral sedations of pediatric patients including the use of nitrous oxide analgesia.
• Explain/demonstrate DAU concepts and principals to dental students.
• Explain/demonstrate procedures & appropriate oral hygiene products to patients/parents.
• Perform a pumice (rubber cup) prophylaxis for coronal surfaces.
• Expose/process radiographs as requested.
• Restock supplies.
• Dental assist RDH as needed.
• Under OSHA guidelines, prepare instruments for sterilizations and sterilize select instruments as required.
• Perform routine daily maintenance of the dental equipment.
• Explain clinical operation policies and procedures to students, faculty and newly employed dental assistants.
• Set up trays and equipment for pediatric dentistry procedures.
• Mix materials, pour impressions and trim models as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

An advanced starting salary may be possible based on exceptional qualifications.

Schedule: Monday – Friday; 8:00am to 5:00pm
May require occasional overtime.

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

1. 1. Successful completion of a CODA accredited dental assistance program or one-year full time equivalency in chairside assistant experience assisting in four-handed method of dentistry.
2. 2. Must have a current certificate of registration to practice as a dental assistant issued by the Iowa Board of Dental Examiners. (QDA)
3. 3. Must possess current Iowa certificate of proficiency in dental radiography. (QDA)
4. 4. May require Expanded Functions (EF-1 and/or EF-2) based on specific needs assigned by provider.

HIGHLY Desirable

• Experience w/children.
• Fluency in Spanish.
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.

Desirable

• Knowledge of dental assisting skills.
• Certified Dental Assistant.

Position NOT eligible for University Sponsorship of Employment Authorization.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.

Additional Information

• Appointment Type: Merit
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus

Compensation

• Starting Salary Minimum: 46604.16

Contact Information

• Organization: College of Dentistry
• Contact Name: COD-Requisitions!iowa.uiowa.edu
• Contact Email: [e-mail]

Equal opportunity employer

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, [phone] or [e-mail] . For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543 .

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