Faculty Practice Dental Assistant

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry invites applications for a full-time Dental Assistant (75-100% FTE / 30-40 hours per week) at the Faculty Dental Clinic. The role includes chairside assistance to multiple specialists and duties such as preparing rooms, taking digital radiographs, and maintaining sterilization standards.

New graduates may qualify under a trainee option with DANB certification due within 3-4 months; licensure requirements in Minnesota must be pursued; strong

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited dental assistant course by the start date of the position.
• DANB Certified Dental Assistant (or eligible for DANB with trainee option below)
• Current CPR Certification
• Ability to work with a variety of faculty and staff
• Maintain a professional disposition towards co‑workers, faculty and patients
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrate working knowledge of current dental procedures and materials for multiple specialists
• Must have broad experience with knowledge of procedures in all areas of dentistry
• Ability to take digital radiographs
• Ability to take blood pressure
• Expanded functions
• Ability to maintain proper sterilization techniques as mandated by the School of Dentistry, OSHA and the CDC
• Meet all Infection Control standards
• Preferred Qualifications: A minimum of 1 year experience in a fast paced dental office

Responsibilities

• Seat patient
• Set up for procedures
• Assist the dentist chairside
• Dismiss the patient when treatment is complete
• Take digital radiographs as prescribed by the dentist
• Chart in Electronic Health Record
• Demonstrate knowledge of Emergency protocols
• Maintain multiple dental treatment rooms, keeping them stocked and up to cleanliness standards
• Sterilize instruments, bag and put away for all clinicians and co-workers as part of a team effort
• Order, track and put away materials for your assigned dentists
• Special assignments of tasks, maintenance of dental equipment in the clinic
• Assist receptionist and dental hygienists when available

Skills

DANB Certified

CPR Certification

Digital radiographs

Sterilization techniques

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Dental assistant certification program

Tools

Electronic Health Record

Job description

About the Job

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is recruiting a full time Dental Assistant (75-100% FTE / 30-40 hours per week). Come join our team!
This position has an option for Dental Assistant trainees, where the Trainee must complete DANB certification within 4 months of hire.
The Dental Assistant will work in the University of Minnesota Faculty Dental Clinic, which is a multi-specialty clinic staffed by our expert and experienced faculty. We invite you to learn more about this unique clinic at our website, https://www.dentalclinics.umn.edu/our-clinics/moos-tower-clinics/faculty-clinics/faculty-dental-clinic.

This full-time Dental Assistant will provide chairside assistance to multiple dental specialists.

Responsibilities:

• Seat patient
• Set up for procedures
• Assist the dentist chairside
• Dismiss the patient when treatment is complete
• Take digital radiographs as prescribed by the dentist
• Chart in Electronic Health Record
• Demonstrate knowledge of Emergency protocols
• Maintain multiple dental treatment rooms, keeping them stocked and up to cleanliness standards
• Sterilize instruments, bag and put away for all clinicians and co-workers as part of a team effort
• Order, track and put away materials for your assigned dentists
• Special assignments of tasks, maintenance of dental equipment (some assigned and some shared) in the clinic
• Assist receptionist and dental hygienists when available

Visa Language: Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Priority Deadline Note: The application review will begin on 10/15/26.

This is a full time, in-person, position. The hours per week (30-40 hours) will be determined at the start date and the employee will work those number of hours consistently. Workdays are Monday-Thursday 7:45 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. and Friday 7:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
** Option for New Graduates/Trainees:
New graduates who are offered a Dental Assistant position at the School of Dentistry will be hired with the expectation that they obtain State of Minnesota Licensure within 4 months of hire (State of Minnesota Licensure requires Minnesota Jurisprudence Exam, Dental Assistant Licensure Exam and Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Exam to apply for licensure.)
Licensed Dental Assistants without DANB certification are encouraged to apply with expectation that DANB certification is obtained within 3 months of hire.
Other essential functions of this position:

• Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time
• Reaching, bending, lifting, twisting and similar movements involved in dental assisting
• Ability to memorize and retain surgery set‑ups, protocols, materials and instruments
• Ability to handle and resolve emergency situations in a calm and professional manner
• Teamwork is an essential skill to promote synergy within the organization

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements (Please document all of the required qualifications on your application materials):

• Graduation from an accredited dental assistant course by the start date of the position.
• DANB Certified Dental Assistant (or eligible for DANB with trainee option below**)
• Current CPR Certification
• Ability to:
  • work with a variety of faculty and staff
  • maintain a professional disposition towards co‑workers, faculty and patients
  • work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrate working knowledge of current dental procedures and materials for multiple specialists
• Must have broad experience with knowledge of procedures in all areas of dentistry
• Ability to take digital radiographs
• Ability to take blood pressure
• Expanded functions
• Ability to maintain proper sterilization techniques as mandated by the School of Dentistry, OSHA and the CDC
• Meet all Infection Control standards

Preferred Qualifications:

• A minimum of 1 year experience in a fast paced dental office

About the Department

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is the state's only dental school and the only dental school in the northern tier of states between Wisconsin and the Pacific Northwest. The School of Dentistry advances health through scientific discovery, innovative education, and the highest quality care for all communities. Our impact extends beyond dental offices to classrooms and clinics throughout the region. We educate dentists, dental specialists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental educators, and research scientists.

The Faculty Dental Clinic is a private clinic within the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. The dentists are all educators in the School of Dentistry. The purpose of the clinic is for the clinicians to have the opportunity to treat patients. In many cases these are cases that are too difficult for the students. Multiple specialists are providers in our work group including general dentists, prosthodontists, endodontists and periodontists. The clinicians work in the clinic to one full day per week.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $29.24 - $36.56 per hour depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work‑life flexibility.