Dental Assistant, Pediatrics

Indiana University; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana University Indianapolis Campus seeks a dental assistant to provide chair side support in the Pediatric Dentistry department. You will pass instruments, manage suction, and help with patient prep during specialty procedures, while handling pre- and postoperative care.

The role requires a valid Indiana X-Ray license by hire date, a high school diploma (or equivalent), and preferred Dental Assistant certification.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent (HSED or GED).
• Indiana X-Ray license required by date of hire.
• Preferred Dental Assistant certification.
• Experience in pediatric dentistry or dental assisting.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide chair side assistance to dentists by passing instruments, suction, and preparing patients during procedures.
• Assist in administration of local anesthetic agent.
• Take patients' blood pressure and maintain vital statistics.
• Provide preoperative and postoperative patient care and instructions.
• Instruct students on taking digital radiographs and cone beam scans.
• Ensure instruments and equipment are sterilized and organized for procedures.
• Assist front office in scheduling follow-up visits.

Skills

Attention to detail

Customer service

Verbal communication

Multitasking

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Indiana X-Ray license

Dental Assistant certification (preferred)

Tools

Radiology equipment

Sterilization techniques

Digital radiographs

Job description

Department DENTISTRY-PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY (IN-DSPE-IUINA) Department Information

The Indiana University (IU) School of Dentistry has been advancing oral health in the state and beyond since 1879, when it was founded as the Indiana Dental College. Over the past 140 years, we've become a national leader in preparing oral health professionals, conducting innovative research that has an impact on patients and the profession, and providing patient-centered care. In the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the Indiana University School of Dentistry, we teach our students to become compassionate dentists who are skilled at providing oral health care for infants and children, including those with special health care needs. Our specialized training gives future pediatric dentists the knowledge they need to offer the most current, comprehensive treatments for a wide variety of oral health issues children and adolescents may face.

Job Summary

• Provide chair side assistance to dentists by passing instruments, holding devices such as suction tubes, and cleaning patients mouth during and after specialty dental and root canal procedures.
• Assist in administration of local anesthetic agent.
• Take patients' blood pressure and maintain patients' vital statistics.
• Provide preoperative care to patients, prepare patients for surgery by positioning them comfortably and applying topical anesthetics, and provide post-operative care and instructions to patients.
• Instruct graduate students and pre-doctoral dental students on taking digital radiographs, cone beam radiographs and cone beam scans.
• Confirm that instruments are sterilized and working properly and organize them for procedures and/or surgery.
• Ensure that equipment used for dental procedures is sterilized and areas are clean and ready to receive new patients.
• Assist front office in scheduling follow up visits.

Qualifications

This position is posted at the Intermediate career level but may be filled at the Foundational career level depending on the candidate's qualifications. Although they will be similar, the duties and responsibilities may differ if filled at the lower rank. Please see the qualifications for each level listed below.

Intermediate Requirements

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

• EDUCATION RequiredHigh school diploma or equivalent (such as HSED or GED).
• WORK EXPERIENCE Required1 year of assisting in an applicable specialty.
• LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES RequiredIndiana X-Ray license upon date of hire.
• PreferredDental Assistant certification upon date of hire.
• SKILLS RequiredDemonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure.
• Ability to work in a safe and efficient manner.
• Demonstrates customer service skills.
• Performs work independently with minimal supervision.
• Possesses strong technical aptitude.
• Strong verbal communication and listening skills.
• Articulate and responsive to colleagues.
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Ability to simultaneously handle multiple priorities.
• Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty.

Foundational Requirements

• EDUCATION RequiredHigh school diploma or equivalent (such as HSED or GED).
• WORK EXPERIENCE RequiredCompletion of a dental assisting training program; OR 6 months of dental assisting experience.
• LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES RequiredRadiology license within 6 months from date of hire.
• SKILLS RequiredPossesses strong technical aptitude.
• Demonstrated customer service skills.
• Strong verbal communication and listening skills.
• Ability to simultaneously handle multiple priorities.

Working Conditions / Demands

This role requires sedentary work as well as extended durations of moving about the workplace. It requires the ability to move objects and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, and the ability to discern between various objects and devices and to position patients. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

Work Location

IU Indianapolis Campus

Advertised Salary

$18.50 - 19.50 per hour

Benefits Overview

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings account with generous IU contributions
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Basic group life insurance paid by IU
• Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
• Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
• 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
• Generous paid time off plans
• Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Job Classification

Career Level: Intermediate

FLSA: Nonexempt

Job Function: Health Services

Job Family: Dentistry

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Posting Disclaimer

This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Employment Opportunity Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.

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