Dental Assistant (Sessional)

Job Summary

The Faculty of Dentistry promotes and provides oral health care as an integral component of overall health for regional, national and international communities through quality education, research and service. Reporting to the Clinical Care Service Manager, the Dental Assistant will provide comprehensive chairside dental assistance, for all patients, all dental and dental hygiene students, and dental faculty inclusive. The Dental Assistant will ensure efficient daily coordination of specific dental clinic activities in assigned service areas in accordance with established clinic policies. The Dental Assistant provides care to patients from different and distinct communities across Nova Scotia, including under-served and marginalized populations.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure efficient daily coordination of specific dental clinic activities in accordance with established clinic policies. Listen and demonstrate understanding to a variety of patients under care.
• Provide comprehensive chair-side dental assistance including radiographs (as required) for potentially infectious patients in assigned service areas for dentists, dental and dental hygiene students as assigned. Recognize the experiences and culture of patients when delivering care.
• Order, stock, and maintain clinical inventory for assigned areas. Ensure maintenance of assigned clinic area and adherence to proper infection control procedures.
• Deliver instrument trays to and from cubicles and soiled pick up.
• Perform patient chart data entry as required and assist in coordinating charts, ensuring accuracy of information for reporting.
• Act as an integral part of the Clinic dental assistant team assisting/anticipating needs of other clinics and support others as time permits. Demonstrate and assist in teaching various techniques, dental assistant utilization procedures, radiology, etc.

Note

The successful candidates must provide proof of up-to-date immunization for the following (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Chickenpox and Hepatitis B). A copy of the lab report for Hepatitis B surface antibodies must be provided, along with evidence of the 2 Step Mantoux (Tuberculin) test. Annual Influenza inoculation is recommended. The successful candidates must keep their immunization status current during their employment.
Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

Required Qualifications

• Current Level II Licensed to work in Nova Scotia as a Dental Assistant with a certificate from an accredited college with a NDAEB certificate and Coronal Polishing Certificate, with a minimum five years’ current chair-side dental assisting experience.
• Have a current Healthcare Provider CPR/AED certificate.
• Proficiency in intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs.
• Experience assisting with both prosthodontic and surgical implant procedures.
• Excellent communication, time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

Assets

Job Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s competencies, in particular:

- Self-Awareness & Professionalism
- Integrity
- Respect & Inclusion
- Adaptability
- Knowledge & Thinking Skills

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Non-probationary bargaining unit employees (NSGEU local 77) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above.