Dental Assistant Specialist - Orthodontic Clinic

The Division of Orthodontics in the School of Dentistry at the University of Minnesota seeks a Dental Assistant Specialist to join their team. This position will support and assist DDS students, Residents, and Faculty on orthodontic cases in our fast paced clinic setting.

The Division of Orthodontics carries out the teaching, research, service and outreach missions of the School of Dentistry and the University of Minnesota as they relate to the dental specialty of Orthodontics.

Schedule:

80% (32 hours per week) Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 7:45-4:30

OR

100% (40 hours per week) Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 7:45-4:30 in the Orthodontics clinic, Thursday 7:45-4:30 in the Faculty Practice Orthodontics clinic

Primary Responsibilities:

• Solid knowledge/experience with the principles of orthodontics in order to demonstrate and mentor the residents to become proficient in clinical standards.
• Work with the residents daily by exhibiting realistic time management goals while learning how to utilize staff to maximize clinic efficiency.
• Place and remove arch wires independently, demonstrate proper placement of steel ligature ties and elastics. Remove excess cement as needed.
• Demonstrate to the residents proper sizing, placement, and orthodontic bands selection.
• Assist in banding and bonding new construction. Experience will be needed for TAD placement and removal as well.
• Assist four or more residents while utilizing eight or more chairs according to the resident's daily schedule.
• Demonstrate to the residents how to fabricate properly fitting removable appliances.
• Direct patients in oral hygiene instruction; perform clinical crown prophylaxis as directed.
• Prepare units for procedures to be done each day. Includes distribution of sterile instruments and items according to daily resident assignments.
• Chairside assisting with faculty, staff, and residents.
• Take and pour up alginate impressions.
• Take digital cephalometric and panoramic radiographs and digital photographs
• Use electronic record keeping and imaging computer systems. Monitor/audit patient's charts ensuring the residents are CODA compliant as well as record-keeping laws.
• Monitor retention and dismissed cases.
• Sterilizes, and maintains instruments and equipment in the clinic, laboratory, and sterilization area.
• Maintain general clinic cleanliness.
• Other duties as assigned

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of an accredited dental assisting course.
• Current Minnesota Dental Assistant License as well as a DANB certificate.
• Knowledge of and ability to speak to procedures such as fitting orthodontic bands, placing/removing archwires, etc.
• Current CPR certification
• Experience working with a diverse patient base
• Advanced oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships.
• Work effectively in a team environment.
• Exceptional patient care and customer service skills.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Respond calmly and effectively to sensitive and difficult situations.
• Concentrate and pay close attention to details.
• Utilize time management concepts and maximize time effectively.
• Ability to effectively multitask

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in an Orthodontics clinic or practice completing procedures such as fitting orthodontic bands, placing/removing archwires, etc.
• Experience in an academic institution or in training others.
• Experience in a busy Dental Clinic or practice atmosphere.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team atmosphere as well as independently.

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: $28.76 - $35.89 USD/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 80% - 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

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).