Dental Assistant, Pediatrics

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is hiring for 2 Dental Assistant positions at our West Bank Pediatrics Clinic. These positions are vital to providing exceptional care to our patients and play a key role in supporting the education of our students.

Our Pediatric Clinic Specializes in serving patients with complex cases and conditions. We provide high quality care to medically compromised patients due to major surgery, cancer treatments, or other significant medical procedures. We pride ourselves in providing compassionate care for children with special health needs and disabilities.

Hours: 7:30-4:00, M-F

Location: 701 25th Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55454

Job duties include but are not limited to:

Prepares patient, arranges instruments and set-ups, and prepares dental materials for treatment/procedure. (35%)

• Performs the two week schedule review insuring all lab work is complete prior to appointment, identify patients who have a past due recall or treatment, and additional pertinent to the patient care
• Maintains Emergency Room Department medications log
• Orders, maintains and stocks Emergency Room cart
• Completes all AIDET assessments as assigned
• Maintenance of water lines, complete the annual water line testing
• Prepares rooms, patient, and gathers data for patient assessment.
• May include support activities such as requesting records and appointment scheduling.
• Prepares operatories using infection control techniques that adhere to policy.
• Maintains supplies, equipment and clinic cleanliness.
• Sterilizes instruments including cleaning, wrapping and autoclaving.
• Prepares exam room for patient visits and restocks supplies as needed.
• Trains incoming residents and rotating students in clinic sterilization procedures & hand tool/supply locations.
• Mentor dental assistant interns rotating through the clinic
• Able to reappoint chair side and review insurance with patients.

Performs direct patient care activities relevant to the clinic as permitted by the Dental Practices Act. (40%)

• Performs placement and removal of rubber dams and periodontal packs.
• Applies pit and fissure sealants, and application and preparation of dental materials.
• Performs mechanical polishing.
• Removes excess cement from crowns and orthodontic bands.
• Pre-selects orthodontic bands and removes/ replaces ligature ties; places and removes elastic orthodontic separators.
• Takes impressions for casts and appropriate bite registration.
• Develops and takes radiographs.
• Performs daily quality control tests for x-ray equipment.
• Monitors patients who have been inducted by a dentist into nitrous oxide-oxygen relative analgesia.
• Assists with dental cases using oral sedation including pre-op, post-op instructions and in-procedure monitoring of patient with pulse oximeter.
• Assists with dental cases performed in hospital operating room.
• Performs indirect bonding of brackets for ortho patients
• Performs direct bonding of brackets for ortho patients
• Completes the Records appointment for ortho patients consisting of the Pan/Ceph x-rays, photo's, and impressions

Provides Chair-side Assistance to Dental Staff (10%)

• Provides chair side assistance to dentists during examinations and operations, maintaining a clear operative field.
• Responsible for understanding and responding appropriately to emergencies (CPR, oxygen, emergency drug kit).
• Assists dentists and hygienists to establish a professional environment by providing positive support to patients

Demonstrates ability to provide quality care and service. (10%)

• Partners with patient/care-giver in care/decision making.
• Communicates in a respectful manner.
• Ensures a safe, secure environment.
• Individualizes plan of care to meet patient needs.
• Modifies clinical interventions based on population served.
• Provides patient education based on assessment of learning needs of patient/care-giver.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Utilizes available resources to support communication with population served.
• Communicates verbal and written information to patients, caregivers, and other healthcare staff in a clear, concise, accurate and timely manner.

Other duties as assigned (5%)

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited dental assisting program
• Current State of Minnesota Dental Assistant License
• Certified as a Dental Assistant (DANB) *Trainee option below
• Current CPR Certification by start date
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations
• Two or more years of experience as a Licensed Dental Assistant
• One or more years of experience working as a licensed dental assistant in a hospital based dental office or clinic

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using Axium software

** 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.

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 Range: $27.02-$33.79; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 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

Bargaining unit consideration begins on 4/22/2025 and ends on 4/29/2025.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position 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 employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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.

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).