Senior Dental Assistant Job at Inside Higher Ed in Augusta

Overview

Join to apply for the Senior Dental Assistant role at Inside Higher Ed.

Location: Augusta University, Augusta, GA. Full Time.

Job Summary

The Senior Dental Assistant performs extra-oral chair-side assisting duties in all phases of dentistry in the Dental Associates clinic, including emergency dentistry, restorative, pediatric, orthodontic, prosthodontic, endodontic, oral surgery, implant surgeries, and periodontics assisting. Other related work includes preventive and daily maintenance of dental operators and equipment, clerical tasks, radiological and receptionist duties. Performs dental laboratory duties (pouring/trimming molds, fabricating bleaching trays, mouth guards, splints, night guards). Serves as a liaison for patients, staff, students, residents, and faculty within the Dental College. Works in a high-volume, fast-paced environment across multiple dentistry disciplines.

Responsibilities

• CHAIR SIDE ASSISTANCE: Assist dental students, residents, and/or faculty at the chair side in all phases of dentistry using 4-handed dentistry; place matrix bands & wedges; maintain aseptic conditions; assist with cementation, impression procedures, implants, and prosthodontic tasks; ensure PPE and infection control compliance.
• INSTRUMENTS AND INSTRUCTION: Clean, pack, and maintain instruments; prepare sterile trays; motivate patients to engage in preventive care; answer questions for understanding of treatment.
• LABORATORY DUTIES: Pour and trim models, construct trays and appliances, mount casts, and assist with bite rims and relines.
• RADIOGRAPHY: Perform radiography and operate x-ray equipment; develop and mount radiographs in patient records; explain procedures to patients.
• MOORE CLINIC: Lead dental assistant for the Moore Clinic.
• PRN: Document findings in software; assist with follow-up care and scheduling; support other department areas as needed; fabricate select items for pre-clinical courses.
• ADDITIONAL DUTIES: Follow infection control guidelines; provide services for health fairs; assist with emergencies; prepare operator setup for procedures and ensure sterile environments; assist in other specialty areas as schedule allows.
• OFF-CAMPUS SERVICES: Provide services at off-campus sites as needed with mileage reimbursement.
• EXAM BOARDS: Work with board certifications/exams (e.g., ADEX) as needed, including potential weekend work.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent with two years of related experience.
• OR Certified Dental Assistant and/or Associate's degree with one year of dental experience.
• OR One year of experience as a Dental Assistant at the Dental College of Georgia.
• OR Bachelor's degree with dental knowledge.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with dental knowledge; graduation from a Certified Dental Assisting program; CPR and Intraoral Radiographic Certification.
• 2 years of dental assisting experience in multiple disciplines (operative, crown/bridge, removable prosthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, surgery, pediatric dentistry).
• CPR certification; radiological safety training; ability to speak Spanish in a clinical setting.
• Must be certified as a Dental Surgical Anesthesia Assistant or obtain certification within the first year.
• Experience mixing dental materials, taking x-rays, and chair-side assisting across multiple disciplines.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of oral anatomy, radiography, dental instruments, and basic dental lab procedures.
• Knowledge of 4-handed dentistry.
• Customer service and strong communication; detail-oriented and team-focused.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adapt to multiple doctors and procedures.
• Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced environment with composure under pressure.

Shift / Salary / Benefits

Details available during the interview process. All selected candidates must pass a background check prior to starting. Some roles may require a credit check or motor vehicle report. Faculty hires may need to provide official transcripts and credential evaluations for foreign institutions. The university maintains a tobacco-free environment. Equal Employment Opportunity statements apply.

How To Apply

To apply, visit the Augusta University careers page: https://www.augusta.edu/hr/jobs/

External Applicants: Select University Faculty & Staff > External Applicants. Internal Applicants: Select University Faculty & Staff > Internal Applicants. For assistance, call 706-721-9365.

Posting reference: Job ID 286017. Posting may include additional information at https://careers.hprod.onehcm.usg.edu/psp/careers/CAREERS/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=12000&JobOpeningId=286017&PostingSeq=1.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Augusta University is an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.