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. This position will float among bays in the clinic as needed.

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

Salary Range: $26.45-$33.01

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

Qualifications

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.

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 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

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.

About the U of M

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).