Unlicensed Dental Assistant, Mobile Dental Clinic

About the Job

If you are a motivated, hardworking, team player who is passionate about patient care, we invite and encourage you to apply for our unique Dental Assistant position! 

• This position is a slower paced, learning environment where collaboration and teamwork is celebrated.
• Enjoy the satisfaction of helping the future providers in dentistry with your knowledge and skill set.
• Procedures are limited to recalls, new patient exams, restorative and simple extractions. No endodontic, removable, heavy surgical cases or lab work.

Because we are an outreach clinic, we value quality patient care and easy dental access–therefore there are no production goals or unreasonable daily expectations. 

Our days are set to Monday – Friday with no nights, weekends or after-hours emergencies!

• Hourly pay range for this position is $22.01-23.83 per hour.
• Hours for this position are 7:45 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday
• Location for this position varies:
• 3 weeks per month in local communities around the Twin Cities Metro area (Apple Valley, Blaine, Eden Prairie, Forest Lake, North Minneapolis, Roseville, South Minneapolis, West Saint Paul)
• 1 week per month in communities considered greater Minnesota (Austin, Duluth, North Mankato, Rochester, Saint Cloud, Walker, Winona). Overnight stays are required for these road trips. Each location is for the entire week.
• Our schedule is set a year in advance and you will have access to see the dates and locations for travel.

The Mobile Dental Clinic (MDC) is part of the Outreach program at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (SoD). The MDC is staffed by licensed dentists and student dental providers from the SoD. 

Each week the MDC travels around the Twin Cities area to provide dental care for UCare members. The MDC also travels to a greater MN location for one week out of each month. Hotel arrangements and food costs incurred will be covered by the School of Dentistry during these trips. 

The Dental Assistant on the Mobile Dental Clinic is a critical member of this care team. The MDC travels into the community to serve a population that is underserved due to multiple access issues, providing preventive and primary dental care services to pediatric and adult populations.

Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

General Unlicensed Dental Assistant Duties 80% 

• Order and maintain adequate stock of dental supplies needed in the clinical and lab areas.
• Daily, weekly, monthly cleaning and maintenance of assigned clinic areas including cleaning, maintenance and sterilization of instruments
• Prepare and maintain operatories and instrument set ups as assigned each clinic session.
• Ability to effectively and efficiently prioritize tasks
• Permissible duties as outlined in Minnesota Administrative Rules 3100.8400 (Assistants without a license or permit)
• Prioritize clinic workflow while supporting student requirements and faculty availability.
• Demonstrates knowledge of Emergency procedures and protocols including use of Emergency equipment.
• This position requires the ability to stand for long periods, lift, reach, bend and transport items to a variety of clinical areas.

Mobile Dental Clinic-Specific duties 20% 

• Daily preparation and maintenance of the operatories on the Mobile Dental Clinic. Maintain equipment on board and follow infection control protocols of the School of Dentistry
• Dental Assistants may be required to drive the clinical transportation vehicle (a separate vehicle than the actual mobile clinic) to and from the clinic sites
• Conduct orientation with students on procedures/protocol on the Mobile Dental Clinic
• If the Mobile Dental Clinic is not in use, the Dental Assistant will be reassigned to on-campus School of Dentistry Clinics at supervisor discretion

Qualifications

Required qualifications: ** Please detail all the required qualifications on your application materials **

• Three months of previous work experience in a health care setting involving patients OR two quarters of college or Nursing/Dental Assistant certificate
• Previous experience working in a health care or customer service environment
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 30 pounds
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations
• Must be able to multi task and adapt to changing work environment and work responsibilities
• Current CPR Certification, or ability to obtain one within appropriate time frame
• MN Driver’s License
• Ability to travel to metro and greater Minnesota locations

Preferred qualifications:

• Post HS education in healthcare or related field
• Dental Assisting experience in General or Specialty Dentistry
• Knowledge of procedures and dental materials
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work well in a team setting and with learner providers
• Familiarity with computers, computer software, and electronic patient records
• Completion or ability to complete Radiology certificate

About the Department

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. We are a regional resource to five states for dental education, consulting services, patient treatment, and ongoing continuing dental education.

We educate dentists, dental specialists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental educators and research-scientists. We offer advanced degree programs in seven ADA-recognized specialties: endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics and TMD and orofacial pain. We educate scholars in oral biology, dental hygiene and oral health for older adults. Dentists from other countries who wish to practice in the United States matriculate through our Program for Advanced Standing Students. Learners have the option to pursue a Masters in Public Health or a PhD alongside their DDS degree.

We are the only dental hygiene program in the state associated with a dental school. Offering programs at the baccalaureate and master of science level, our integrated program prepares oral health professionals to collaborate from their first day in the profession.

We became the first dental school in the nation to educate dental therapists in 2009. Dental therapists perform basic preventative services, drill and restore teeth for children and adults and remove primary teeth under the supervision of a licensed dentist. As of 2023, we have graduated 91 dental therapists from the program.

Our work affects virtually every person in Minnesota. We educate approximately 73% of the state’s practicing dentists, 68% of licensed dental therapists, and 49% of dental hygiene educators. Our researchers develop and test restorative materials used by dentists around the world. We provide critical oral health care with more than 100,000 patient visits in our campus clinics and more than 16,000 patient visits at outreach sites in underserved communities throughout the state. We provide continuing dental education for 7,1000 practicing dental professionals each year.

The School of Dentistry is dedicated to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Diverse teams, perspectives, and backgrounds create a strong and creative team that best serves the University’s many communities, on campus and beyond. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQIA+, women, veterans, and members of historically underrepresented communities are highly encouraged to apply.

For more information, please visit our website, dentistry.umn.edu.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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 Scholarship
• 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

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

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.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

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.

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