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University of Southern California

Dental Assistant

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079

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Dental Assistant

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University of Southern California

Since 1897, the Ostrow School of Dentistry has shaped talented students into outstanding dentists and dental hygienists. Our challenging clinical education and expert faculty members provide future oral health professionals with the skills they need to become the best.

USC's Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry is seeking a Dental Assistant to join the Advanced Specialty team. This department requires an individual who can handle a fast‑paced workload and work with a variety of disciplines such as Periodontics, Endodontics, Prosthodontics, and Urgent Care.

Job Summary Provides both administrative and comprehensive skilled chair‑side assisting services for patients during dental treatment procedures for clinical faculty, doctoral students, and post‑doctoral students in clinical unit(s) and/or affiliated practices. Works independently with moderate technical guidance.

Job Accountabilities

Prepares treatment/clinical area for patient care. Organizes and prepares trays, sets up for dental procedures, and maintains adequate supply levels in each operatory. Preps patients and assists with dental procedures. Prepares and mixes materials. Obtains vital signs and monitors patients for complications. Cleans up following procedure, disposes of waste, disinfects area after each patient, and sets up for next patient in accordance with established procedures.

Maintains inventory of disposable materials, medications, dental instruments, equipment, and supplies in the dental operatory and those required for daily operation. Organizes supplies and equipment to minimize loss and maximize utilization. Performs regular audits to ensure the removal of expired materials. Maintains a clean and orderly clinic. Sterilizes and disinfects instruments and equipment in accordance with established procedures.

Demonstrates and complies with the personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements including infection control and safety standards set forth by the department.

Prepares materials for making impressions and restorations. Exposes and processes digital radiography and traditional x-rays. Practices radiation safety at all times when using dental radiographs generators.

Assists with patient registration, appointment scheduling, billing, filing, scanning, and other administrative support duties. Obtains dental history and records from patients and ensures health history is recorded and current. Provides patient education and treatment planning information as directed by attending faculty providers, or by students.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Associate's Degree

Experience: 6‑12 months

Field of Expertise

Working knowledge of dental management systems, preferably axiUm.

Bilingual skills in Spanish and English (verbal and written communications). Demonstrated experience and skills in a variety of dental disciplines.

Benefits We pride ourselves in creating the BEST USC EXPERIENCE, and that begins with our employees! We offer a wide variety of benefits and programs that support our staff and their families. For more information, please visit http://benefits.usc.edu

EEO Statement As an equal opportunity employer, USC values and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. The work culture thrives on mutual respect, trust, and constructive collaboration amongst all its members.

The hourly rate range for this position is $19.43 - $22.50.

The University of Southern California considers factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, and external market and organizational considerations.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education: Specialized/technical training

Minimum Experience: 6‑12 months

Minimum Field of Expertise: Six to twelve months of chair‑side experience in a dental environment or private practice in one or more recognized dental disciplines (general/prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, pedodontics, orthodontics, special patients).

Working knowledge of HIPAA compliance, PPO, and dental terminology.

Demonstrated excellent interpersonal patient service skills, and ability to multi‑task.

Working knowledge of proper sterilization and instrument management techniques.

Demonstrated experience in a high volume, fast‑pace environment.

Demonstrated team‑oriented and collaborative work style.

Job Details Job ID: REQ20169843 • Posted Date: 12/10/2025

Seniority level Entry level

Employment type Full‑time

Job function Health Care Provider

Industries Higher Education

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