Floating Dental Assistant

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages and benefits

Paid holidays and generous time off

Tuition benefit program

Job summary

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in Twin Cities is seeking a Dental Assistant to provide chairside assistance across general and specialty clinics, supporting undergraduate and graduate students and faculty dentists.

The role emphasizes infection control, radiography, and reliable operation of clinical spaces, with a focus on teamwork and patient care. Strong communication and adaptability are essential in a dynamic academic clinic environment.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited dental assisting program.
• Current State of Minnesota Dental Assistant License.
• Certified as a Dental Assistant (DANB).
• Current CPR Certification.
• Must be able to multi task and adapt to changing work environment and responsibilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Provide chairside assisting to patients under faculty dentists, graduate and undergraduate students.
• Maintain operatories and clinical areas daily/weekly/monthly.
• Adhere to infection control protocols of the School of Dentistry.
• Take digital radiographs as directed.
• Organize, order, and stock supplies.
• Mentor externs in clinic areas.

Skills

Multi-tasking

Effective communication

CPR certification

Adaptability

Education

Accredited dental assisting program

Job description

Job Details

Job ID: 376857

Location: Twin Cities

Job Family: LR-Health Care NonProfessional

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Code: 5039

Employee Class: AFSCME Unit 4 - Health Care

About the Job

Days/hours/location of work: 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday

This float position will assist in a variety of clinic areas within the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry to include general and specialty dentistry (undergraduate and/or graduate clinics in prosthodontics, periodontics, urgent care, pediatrics, endodontics and implant dentistry).

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

Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Provide chairside assisting clinical services to patients under the care of faculty dentists, graduate and undergraduate students
• Daily, weekly and monthly maintenance of operatories and assigned clinical areas
• Adherence to infection control protocols of the School of Dentistry
• Working knowledge of dental procedures and materials
• Take digital radiographs as directed
• Organization, ordering, and stocking of supplies
• Mentor Dental Assisting externs in clinic areas
• Demonstrated knowledge of emergency procedures and equipment
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited dental assisting program
• Current State of Minnesota Dental Assistant License *New Graduate/Trainee option below
• Certified as a Dental Assistant (DANB) *Trainee option below
• Current CPR Certification
• Must be able to multi task and adapt to changing work environment and work responsibilities
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations

Desired Qualifications:

• At least one year experience as a Dental Assistant working in a dental clinic with multiple providers
• Ability to work with a variety of faculty, staff, residents and students and promote a respectful work place
• Experience demonstrating rubber dam/placement, assist in fabrication of impressions, and proper usage of dental cements/materials
• Experience in multiple areas of dentistry, to include General Dentistry, Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Urgent Care, Pediatrics, Endodontics, and Implant Dentistry.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of current dental procedures and materials
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work well in a team setting and with learner providers
• Successful experience providing dental care to a diverse patient base
• Familiarity with computers, computer software, electronic patient records

* New Graduate/Trainee Option:

New graduates who are offered a Dental Assistant position at the School of Dentistry are hired with the expectation of State of Minnesota Licensure** is obtained 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.

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.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $29.24-$36.56 / 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.