Senior Dental Assistant - Clinic Administration, College of Dentistry

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

Job summary

A forward-thinking institution is seeking a Senior Dental Assistant to join their dynamic team at the College of Dentistry. In this pivotal role, you will perform advanced dental techniques and provide essential support to faculty and students. Your responsibilities will include managing lab cases, training assistants, and ensuring the highest standards of patient care and hygiene. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a collaborative environment while advancing your career in dental assistance. If you are passionate about dentistry and eager to make a difference in patient care, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Completion of a CODA accredited dental assistance program or equivalent experience.
• Current DANB certification and Iowa registration required.

Responsibilities

• Clean and organize the operatory, maintain patient areas.
• Perform clinical tasks including placing retraction cords and taking impressions.

Skills

Digital Scanning

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Attention to Detail

Education

CODA Accredited Dental Assistance Program

DANB Dental Assistant Certification

Iowa Certificate of Proficiency in Dental Radiography

Tools

Electronic Health Records Management

Job description

Come join Clinic Administration at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry as a Senior Dental Assistant. Work in a senior level role within a dynamic team that includes faculty, grad, and dental students! You will be performing advance techniques such as placing retraction cord, fugi temps, making custom trays and more!

Your job duties will include:

1. Clean and organize the operatory, maintain neat patient areas.
2. Perform end-of-day cleaning and closing procedures.
3. Serve as the primary contact for digital scanning, training assistants in advanced techniques and maintaining training documentation.
4. Monitor and manage lab cases, ensuring timely transport and organization of lab materials.
5. Provide emotional support to patients, communicating positively with staff and colleagues.
6. Order and manage supplies for operative providers, ensuring consistent availability.
7. Perform clinical tasks, including placing retraction cords, making provisionals, applying desensitizing agents, etching, bonding, and conducting pulp vitality testing.
8. Maintain professionalism and ethical standards in all interactions, ensuring confidentiality and proper hygiene.
9. Expose, process, and mount patient radiographs.
10. Assist in administering local anesthetic and manage instruments during procedures.
11. Organize and stock supplies according to clinic standards.
12. Prepare and disinfect instruments, following established protocols.
13. Set up patient delivery trays and manipulate dental materials as needed.
14. Manage electronic health records, entering charges and appointment requests.
15. Prepare patients for treatment and record vital signs and examination findings.
16. Take impressions and fabricate custom trays and molds.
17. Perform additional duties as assigned.

Senior Dental Assistant – GC26 (Merit)

College of Dentistry – Prosthodontics

Dental Science Building (Iowa City, IA)

Salary: $50,115.36 (Pay Grade: 10)

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

An advanced starting salary may be possible based on experience and/or exceptional qualifications.

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

1. Successful completion of a CODA accredited dental assistance program or one year of full-time equivalency chairside assistant experience assisting in four-handed method of dentistry.
2. Current DANB Dental Assistant Certification by time of start date.
3. May require, Expanded Functions (EF-1 and/or EF-2). Required based on specific advanced responsibilities assigned by the provider or as needs are defined in clinic.
4. Must have a current certificate of registration to practice as a dental assistant issued by the Iowa Board of Dental Examiners (QDA).
5. Must possess current Iowa certificate of proficiency in dental radiography. (QDA)
6. Five years of experience assisting in the four-handed method of dentistry beyond the educational requirements for this position.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Extensive Experience in Digital Scanning
• Strong Organizational Skills
• Experience training dental assistants on new techniques and technologies, with the ability to create and update training materials.
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proven ability to problem solve
• Experience with supply ordering and supply management

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload a resume (and mark as “Relevant File”) to their submission.

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

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 10 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. For questions or additional information, please contact [e-mail].

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Senior Dental Assistant
• Appointment Type: Merit
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus

Compensation

• Pay Level: 10
• Starting Salary Minimum: 50,115.36

Contact Information

• Organization: College of Dentistry
• Contact Name: COD-Requisitions
• Contact Email: [e-mail]