Dental Assistant II

Be a part of our mission of preparing dentists that are committed to serving the underserved communities in northern New England and beyond. The University of New England College of Dental Medicine (UNE CDM) is seeking a Dental Assistant to join our Oral Health Center (OHC). The OHC Dental Assistant supports patient care at our teaching clinic and plays an important role in ensuring that our patients are provided with an overall positive experience each time they visit the OHC. This position reports to the Lead Dental Assistant and works with the clinical faculty, dental students, and other clinical support staff with a focus on chairside dental assisting and patient care support.

As a full-time, 40 hour per week employee of UNE CDM, you will have access to an outstanding benefit package that includes health and dental coverage, generous holiday schedule and PTO, retirement match, select position-related continuing education and development, and reduced college tuition for yourself, spouse/partner, and your dependents. A full list of benefits can be found here (Benefits | University of New England in Maine). The expected pay is $23.17 per hour (annualized to $48,194). Total compensation is between $64,291-$78,083, depending on which medical and dental plans are selected.

Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of this role include:
• Perform all procedures as allowed under state regulations and rules
• Perform chairside dental assisting duties for student or faculty providers to include operatory set-up and breakdown using proper infection control protocols; instrument transfer; field isolation; and dental material handling for all general and specialty dental procedures
• Help patients feel comfortable; assist with the explanation of treatment; and communicate patient post-visit instructions/aftercare
• Record patient health histories and dental charting utilizing appropriate patient communication and management
• Provide patient care support by exposing digital diagnostic images or overseeing students while they acquire digital diagnostic images; monitor/instruct students in corrective measures
• Organize and store images for use in the OHC electronic patient record system
• Assist Patient Care Coordinators in the timely scheduling of patients for requested radiographic examinations
• Monitor quality assurance of oral and maxillofacial imaging in conjunction with the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist
• Maintain the OHC's infection control policies and procedures and monitor/ensure provider compliance
• Monitor, clean, and disinfect clinic operatories and support spaces; report equipment failures; maintain/record logs related to instrument, material and equipment dispensing and quality assurance
• Prepare, dispense, sterilize, store, and properly maintain dental instruments/supplies/equipment according to the manufacturers' instructions
• Collect and record patient information using electronic technology
• Answer phones, register patients, and schedule patient appointments
• Check-in patients and collect payment
• Provide support to the faculty and students in the event of a patient medical emergency
• Exhibit a professional appearance and demeanor and support the educational mission of the college, including role modeling and teaching students how to function as dental assistants on the dental team
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Candidate must be:
• DANB Certified Dental Assistant recognized by the Maine Board of Dental Practice (MBDP)
• Licensed as a Dental Radiographer by the Maine Board of Dental Practice (MBDP)
• Current with Basic Life Support certification
• Credentialed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) as a Registered Radiologist Assistant (R.R.A.), preferred but not required

Additional Qualifications:
• 3+ years dental/radiology assistant experience
• Proficiency in the operation of dental radiographic equipment and the ability to learn to operate commercial size sterilization washers and sterilizers
• Current knowledge of modern dental imaging technology
• Experience with patient electronic health records, computers, printers, scanners, fax machines, copy machines, and telephone operations
• Excellent written, electronic, and verbal communication
• Ability to effectively interact with health care professionals, students, and patients in a fast-paced environment

EEO Statement Summary

Consistent with federal and state law and University policy, the University of New England is committed to the fundamental concept of equal opportunity for all of the members of the University community. The University prohibits, and will not tolerate, discrimination in employment, the provision of academic services or in any other area of University life based on race, color, sex, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, ethnicity, genetic information, HIV status, or status as a veteran. Prohibited bias factors should not motivate decisions regarding students, employees, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, contractors, volunteers or participants in and/or users of institutional programs, services, and activities.

COVID Vaccination Statement (PLEASE NOTE)

Employees in clinical settings must meet the State of Maine's immunization requirements for clinical activity and be medically cleared, fit tested, and trained on proper respirator (N95, Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)) use.