Senior Dental Assistant, Faculty Practice, UMKC School of Dentsitry

The UMKC School of Dentistry Faculty Practice is seeking an experienced, dependable, and customer-service-oriented professional to join our clinical team as a Senior Dental Assistant.

For more than a century, the School of Dentistry has prepared the next generation of oral health professionals through excellence in education, research, and patient care. Our alumni represent approximately half of all practicing dentists in Missouri, reflecting our strong commitment to service and leadership.

The Senior Dental Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the daily clinical operations of the UMKC School of Dentistry. This position provides advanced chairside assistance to dentists, supports dental students in delivering quality patient care, and assists with coordinating clinical activities to ensure efficient patient flow and a safe treatment environment.

The position also serves as an experienced resource for other dental assistants, providing guidance, training, and support in clinical procedures, infection prevention, sterilization, and equipment operations.

This highly visible position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and patients.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical and Chairside Assistance

• Provide chairside assistance to dentists, faculty, and dental students during examinations, restorative procedures, and other dental treatments.
• Prepare patients, treatment rooms, instruments, and equipment for scheduled dental procedures.
• Assist with dental procedures, including expanded functions within the individual's training, certification, and applicable regulations.
• Obtain diagnostic dental radiographs and intraoral photographs as directed by the treating dentist.
• Prepare dental materials and assist with impressions, study models, and other clinical procedures.
• Pour, trim, and polish dental study casts as needed.
• Assist with patient seating, treatment preparation, and transitions between appointments to support efficient clinical operations.
• Support dental and medical emergency response procedures, including maintaining appropriate emergency supplies and current CPR certification.

Patient Care and Clinical Documentation

• Review and update patient health histories, medication lists, and other relevant clinical information.
• Accurately document patient visits, treatment information, and clinical activities in Dentrix or other designated patient management systems.
• Provide patients with oral hygiene education, postoperative instructions, and other information as directed by the treating dentist.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and follow established patient care and documentation standards.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with patients, faculty, students, and other members of the dental care team.

Sterilization and Infection Prevention

• Prepare, clean, disinfect, and maintain dental treatment areas in accordance with established infection prevention and safety procedures.
• Clean, package, sterilize, and distribute dental instruments and equipment in accordance with departmental policies and applicable OSHA and CDC requirements as needed.
• Perform required daily, weekly, and monthly sterilization equipment maintenance, including maintenance of autoclaves and Statim units.
• Conduct required biological monitoring, including weekly spore testing, and maintaining accurate documentation of testing results.
• Monitor sterilization processes and report equipment malfunctions, deficiencies, or compliance concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment in clinical operatories, dental laboratories, and sterilization areas.

Inventory Management and Clinical Supplies

• Monitor and maintain appropriate inventory levels of dental instruments, clinical supplies, and materials.
• Restock operatories, laboratories, and designated clinical areas to ensure supplies are available for patient care.
• Identify and communicate supply shortages, damaged materials, and replacement needs to appropriate personnel.
• Maintain accurate inventory records, including tracking the distribution and use of designated supplies and dental implants.
• Assist with organizing and rotating supplies to ensure proper storage and efficient utilization.
• Coordinate with purchasing, dispensary, and other operational staff to support the timely availability of clinical supplies and materials.

Clinical Equipment and Operational Support

• Perform routine opening and closing procedures for designated clinical areas.
• Assist with basic maintenance, cleaning, and preparation of dental equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Identify and report equipment malfunctions or maintenance needs to the Dental Maintenance Team.
• Assist with preparing operatories and equipment for daily patient care activities.
• Support the organization, cleanliness, and operational readiness of clinical and laboratory areas.
• Assist with front desk operations and other clinical support activities when needed.

Team Leadership and Training

• Provide guidance and assistance to dental assistants regarding clinical procedures, chairside techniques, sterilization, and equipment preparation.
• Assist with training and orienting new dental assistants and clinical support staff.
• Support consistent application of established clinical procedures, safety standards, and operational practices.
• Promote teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and a positive work environment.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain required certifications and participate in continuing education and professional development activities.
• Follow established university, School of Dentistry, OSHA, CDC, and other applicable policies and procedures.
• Provide responsive and professional customer service to patients, students, faculty, and staff.
• Exercise sound judgment and independently address routine operational issues within established guidelines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

A high school diploma or equivalent and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities can be acquired is necessary. Certifications as required by state/federal law or regulatory agencies is necessary.

• Experience working as a dental assistant in a dental clinic, dental school, or healthcare environment.
• Experience providing chairside assistance for a variety of dental procedures.
• Experience with dental practice management software, including Dentrix or similar systems.
• Knowledge of dental radiography, sterilization procedures, infection prevention, and dental equipment maintenance.
• Experience training, mentoring, or providing guidance to other dental assistants.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and work effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment.

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as up to $22.00 per hour.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: 7
University Title: Senior Dental Assistant
To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Applications will be accepted until this position is filled.

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.