Temporary Dental Assistant

University of Colorado; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is seeking a Temporary Dental Care Assistant to join the School of Dental Medicine. The role requires four-handed chairside assistance across specialties, patient prep, radiographs, infection control and documentation. Onsite in Aurora, CO. Appointment limited to nine months.

Minimum two years of dental assisting experience; an accredited program can substitute for one year. CPR/BLS certification preferred.

Qualifications

• Two years of dental assisting experience.
• Completion of an accredited dental assisting program may substitute for one year of experience.
• Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Responsibilities

• Patient preparation and positioning.
• Clinical area preparation.
• Use of sterile techniques and infection control procedures.
• Maintain patient data and records.
• Perform and develop dental radiographs.
• Performs appropriate aseptic and sterilization techniques.
• Prepares specialized instrument setups for undergrad students, residents and faculty.
• Inspects instruments/tools for good condition/working order.
• Performs dental intraoral and extraoral radiographs using proper technique, equipment and safety gear.
• Develops, mounts and identifies radiographic films.
• Troubleshoots the scanner to ensure high-quality film development.

Skills

Dental assisting

Radiography

Infection control

Patient preparation

Communication

Education

Accredited dental assisting program

Job description

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: SDM-Diagnostic Sciences and Surgical Dentistry

Job Title: Temporary Dental Assistant

Position # 00820014 Req# 39506

This is a Temporary position limited to no more than 9-months.

Job Summary:

The School of Dental Medicine (SDM) welcomes applications for temporary Dental Care Assistants to work in all specialized dentistry areas. The position requires extensive, diverse and progressively responsible experience, including direct responsibility for providing four-handed chair side dental assistance in all specialized dentistry (i.e., oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics, endodontics, and restorative), patient preparation and positioning, clinical area preparation, use of sterile techniques and performing infection control procedures.

Key Responsibilities:

• Patient preparation and positioning;
• clinical area preparation;
• use of sterile techniques and infection control procedures;
• maintain patient data and records;
• perform and develop dental radiographs;
• Performs appropriate aseptic and sterilization techniques.
• Prepares specialized instruments setups for undergraduate students, residents and faculty to be used during dental patient treatment.
• Inspects appropriate instruments/tools for good condition/working order.
• Performs dental intraoral and extraoral radiographs using appropriate technique, x-ray equipment and safety equipment.
• Develops, mounts and identifies radiographic films.
• Troubleshoots the scanner to make sure films are being developed with high quality

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine is nationally recognized for the quality of its educational programs, its interdisciplinary research and its excellent clinical care programs that contribute to the health and well-being of many of Colorado’s most underserved citizens. We are invested in creating career pathways, learning and development opportunities, and developing people infrastructures to support the workforce.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years of dental assisting experience
• Successful completion of an accredited dental assisting program may substitute for one year of experience. NOTE: If exercising the education substitution, applicants MUST attach a copy of their dental assisting certificate to their application materials no later than the closing date listed in the announcement.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Possess current valid CPR and/or BLS certification
• Surgical Assistant or Surgical Technologist License
• Recent experience working in a fast-paced dental environment
• Experience with clinical area preparation in a dental clinic and/or office.
• Experience taking x-rays
• Experience performing and developing digital dental radiographs.
• Experience in sterilizing dental tools, instruments and equipment.
• Experience working with students and faculty in a higher education and/or academic medical environment
• Experience working with multiple doctors

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to establish rapport with a wide variety of individuals
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task
• Excellent time management skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Strong oral communication skills
• Knowledge of dental terminology and instrumentation
• Knowledge of current dental materials, tools and instruments, and proper use and technique
• Familiarity with OSHA and HIPAA guidelines

Anticipated Pay Range:

The hiring range for this position has been established at:
$25.00 to $28.00 / hour.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Temporary employees are only eligible for sick leave benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [e-mail] .

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.

University Staff

Job Category

Professional Support Services

Department

U0001 -- Anschutz Med Campus or Denver

Schedule

Full-time

Posting Date

Jul 31, 2026

Unposting Date

Ongoing