About the Job
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.