Licensed Dental Assistant

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 64,812 - 71,302; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays and generous time off

Learning opportunities through professional training

Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

Disability and employer-paid life insurance

Job summary

The University of Minnesota in Saint Paul seeks a licensed Dental Assistant to provide chairside support at the Community-University Health Care Center Dental Clinic. Candidates must hold an accredited Dental Assistant certification in Minnesota and be CPR certified. Responsibilities include assisting with various dental procedures, managing patient appointments, and maintaining equipment hygiene.

This position acknowledges the significance of continuous learning and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive wages and healthcare plans.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited Dental Assistant course with certification in Minnesota.
• Current CPR certification required.
• Experience with electronic health records is essential.
• Must have a negative TB test and a Hepatitis B vaccination.

Responsibilities

• Assist chairside with dental procedures using four-handed dentistry.
• Sterilize instruments and maintain infection control standards.
• Schedule patient appointments and manage inventory.

Skills

Chairside dental assistance

Electronic health records

CPR certification

Bilingual (Somali, Hmong, Lao, Vietnamese, Spanish)

Education

Accredited Dental Assistant course

CPR certification

Job description

Objective/Overview

This position is located in the U of M Community-University Health Care Center Dental Clinic (CHUCC). The employee will assist chairside with numerous dentists and dental students to provide quality patient care, sterilize instruments, complete forms, maintain inventory, and schedule patients. The licensed dental assistant will also participate in various quality initiatives and other committees as assigned.

This is an AFSCME Health position. Bargaining unit considerations begin on 5/15/26 and end on 5/22/26.

This position will work 100% onsite in the CUHCC Dental Clinic.

FTE: .75 - 1.0

Number of open positions: 2

Work Schedule

0.75 FTE: Scheduled between 7:15 a.m.–5:45 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

1.0 FTE: Scheduled between 7:15 a.m.–5:45 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Essential Functions

• Chairside dental assistance using four-handed dentistry in diagnostic, endodontics, pedodontics, oral surgery, prosthodontics, and restorative procedures (70%).
• General four-handed dentistry including expanded functions:
  • Take digital radiographs
  • Take and pour impressions, pull the cast apart and trim it for study models
  • Mechanically polish teeth, place sealants, fabricate temporary crowns, fabricate trays for tooth bleaching, remove sutures, place and remove rubber dams
  • Monitor patients induced under nitrous oxide analgesia (give N2O if applicable – must have completed the course)
  • Turn nitrous on/off and unplug when not in use
  • Chart and write in progress notes using the SOAP format (Subjective-Objective-Assessment and Procedure)
  • Prepare dental materials: cements, amalgam, composite, impression material, etc.
  • Take blood pressure as needed
  • Remove excess cement
  • Manage patients during dental procedures
  • Prepare lab slips for ordering lab work and track receipt of cases
  • Schedule follow-up and hygiene appointments for patients
• Sterilize instruments/equipment and maintain a standard of infection control (10%).
• Maintain inventory levels and stock operatories, check in new supplies (10%).
• Dental reception/scheduling (5%).
• Participation in staff development, quality assurance, compliance, etc. (5%).
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduate from an accredited Dental Assistant course, including current certification and registration as a Dental Assistant in Minnesota.
• Current CPR certification.
• Experience with electronic health records.
• Requires a negative TB test and a Hepatitis B vaccination.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a community clinic setting.
• Verbal proficiency/bilingual in Somali, Hmong, Lao, Vietnamese, or Spanish.
• Experience in a dental office or clinic.
• Successfully completed Nitrous Oxide Analgesia (N2O) course.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: Between $31.16/hr (step 6) - $34.28/hr (step 11), which equates to between $64,812.80/annually - $71,302.40/annually for 1.0 FTE; depending on education, qualifications, experience.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment.

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

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

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application and attach a resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e‑mail [e-mail] or call [phone].