Dental Assistant (Clinical & Navigation)

Dental Assistant (Clinical & Navigation)

Job Number: 3988
Job Type: Temporary Part-Time
Vacancy Reason: Temporary
Temp Contract Length: Up to 11 months (ending December 31, 2026)
Location: 150 Main Street, Cambridge, ON
Number of Positions: 1
Department: Dental Programs
Division: Public Health and Paramedic Services
Hours of Work: 14 hours per week - Tuesdays (8:30am-4pm, 30 min lunch) and Fridays (8:30am-4pm, 30 min lunch)
Union: CUPE 1883
Grade: CUPE 1883 Grade 007
Salary Range: $31.71 - $35.89 per hour
Posting Date: February 5, 2026

About Us!

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to taking only what we need, leaving some for others, and keeping the dish clean. This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core value, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.

Waterloo Region is home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051. Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we prioritize homes for all, climate-aligned growth, equitable services and opportunities, and a resilient and future-ready organization. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core value emphasizes caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.

The Role

Provides chairside and dental clinic services to children, youth, and adults with acute needs at the Region’s dental clinics. Provides administrative assistance and customer service, including assisting residents navigate access to dental programs and services.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Provides chairside assistance to clinic dentists for oral surgery (e.g., extractions, restorative, radiographs). Follows proper infection control procedures per infection control guidelines. May provide chairside assistance to dental hygienists for preventive services such as pit and fissure sealants or chairside documentation.
• Sets up and organizes instruments and equipment for clinic practice. Prepares and cleans/sterilizes operatory room, equipment, and instruments, including disposing sharp and contaminated materials, per policies and procedures.
• Provides reception/customer service and administrative support for the dental clinic (e.g., schedules appointments, referrals to dental specialists, stocks forms and charts, electronic records management, distributes bus tickets, arranges for interpreters).
• Enrolls clients requiring urgent treatment at the dental clinic, per criteria, and schedules assessments with dental hygienist.
• Assists residents to navigate provincial dental programs and complete application forms. Triages to determine needs, obtain information, and refer to appropriate program. Provides guidance and support by connecting residents with service options (e.g., provincial programs, finding a dental provider). Follows up with third party program administrator regarding status as required for provincial program.
• Provides administrative/case management support to dental hygienists for the school screening program. Enters and maintains client information in database (e.g., identification number, letters/reminders). Prepares and/or sends mandatory mail-outs.
• Responds to general dental questions and provides information to the public, schools, parents, dentists, and sponsors regarding dental programs and dental clinics. Responds to or directs inquiries from departmental and other regional staff, as required.
• Educates clients and families about dental treatment and provides information regarding proper oral hygiene techniques and dental processes, practices.
• Assists in promotion/outreach activities to support program awareness, access, and use (e.g., health fairs, dental demonstrations/education activities, program/campaign mail-outs).
• Maintains dental equipment in good working condition by cleaning and replacing minor parts; tests radiological and sterilization equipment; and contacts vendor for servicing/repair. Orders clinic and program materials and supplies; maintains current safety data sheets.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have and maintain current certification with Ontario Dental Assistants Association (ODAA).
• Must have completed a Level I Dental Assisting program through an accredited or ODAA approved organization, and have 2 years of related experience. A combination of higher certification such as completion of a Level II Dental Assisting program and less experience is considered equivalent.
• Must have certification in Healing Arts Radiation Protection (HARP).
• Knowledge of the safe operation of a radiograph (X-ray) machine, dental terminology, dental procedures and the operation and care of dental equipment, safety management in a dental setting, preventive strategies, and infection prevention and control protocols. Knowledge of dental office and administrative processes.
• Must have and maintain current CPR BLS certification.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, related legislation, and dental practices/health guidelines (e.g., privacy, WHMIS, health and safety, infection prevention).
• Familiarity with network of community family dentists, specialists, and dental programs.
• Ability to attend to multiple demands and work independently to meet program deadlines.
• Organizational and problem solving skills to balance and prioritize work to meet program demands; and collect, compile, and report on program information.
• Human relations and communication skills to provide support, empathy, and sensitivity when dealing with clients; triage with residents/clients to understand dental needs and situations; provide guidance and explain procedures, services, and programs/processes (requiring some use of dental terminology); motivate and encourage patients to practice good oral hygiene; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read product and equipment materials; dental journals, articles, and newsletters; and attend seminars to keep knowledge and practices current.
• Ability to complete charting (including chairside) and client documentation, using proper dental terminology; write correspondence; and complete application forms for dental programs.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office, an electronic document management system, scheduling software, and program databases.
• Ability to travel within and outside Waterloo Region.
• Must provide an acceptable police vulnerable sector check.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

Region of Waterloo is committed to building a workforce through fair, equitable, and accessible hiring practices that allow us to hire qualified staff who reflect the diversity of the community we serve and to promote a respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity, including, but not limited to:

• First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and all other Indigenous peoples;
• members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, colour, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin;
• persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities;
• persons who identify as women; and persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions

For questions or to request accommodations during your recruitment, onboarding or employment, please contact talentmanagement@regionofwaterloo.ca, or by calling our Service First Contact Centre at (519) 575-4400.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Hiring Process: Region of Waterloo may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance efficiency during the recruitment process. However, applications will also be reviewed by a member of our Talent Acquisition team to ensure a fair and thorough assessment. AI does not make final hiring decisions.

Please note: candidates will be provided an update on their application. Please check your spam or junk folder occasionally as some candidates have noticed our emails in those folders (Gmail and Hotmail in particular).