Lead Dental Assistant

Job Title

Lead Dental Assistant

Agency

Texas A&M University Health Science Center

Department

Clinical Affairs

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Dallas, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Six years of experience as a registered dental assistant in a private practice, clinic, or dental training program.

Required Licenses and Certifications: 

• CPR certified.

• Registered Dental Assistant.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of basic infection control policies and procedures, organizational skills, ability to manage supply and instrument inventory.

• Some college level courses or advanced educational courses in the field of dental assisting.

• 3-5 years of experience as a lead dental assistant or expanded duty dental assistant.

• Supervisory experience.

• Advanced knowledge of dental terminology.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in dental care.

• Knowledge of dental terminology and procedures.

• Knowledge of infectious control policies, aseptic techniques, supplies, and equipment.

• Ability to operate dental radiographic equipment operation.

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Effective listening and organizational skills.

• Ability to explain complex dental procedures and policies and follow verbal and written instructions, guidelines, and objectives.

Responsibilities

Chairside Assistance 

• Oversees student doctor operatory set-up and breakdown, ensures compliance with College of Dentistry (COD) infection control procedures.

• Assist student doctors and attending faculty during complex dental procedures. 

• Records pertinent clinic data, including blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, temperature, diagnostic aids, and other in-treatment documentation. 

• Provides patient information to families, including detailed post-operative care instructions. 

• Reviews patient clinic schedule and works with attending faculty to ensure workflow optimization of dental assistants.

• Ensure student doctors with most complex dental procedures receive dental assistant support first.

• Performs other clinical duties delegated by faculty or staff dentists.

Supervisory Oversight & Compliance Monitoring

• Supervises and leads dental assisting staff in day-to-day patient care by reviewing schedule and organizing team in a manner to maximize clinic efficiency. 

• Trains newly hired dental assistants; ensures they have a clear understanding of the COD policies and procedures as they pertain to patient care. 

• Establishes performance goals and measures to evaluate the success of supervised employees.

• Serves as liaison between Clinical Affairs and program managers of various departments within the college to ensure effective clinical functions related to patients, staff, and policy adherence to meet the COD mission of patient care and education.

• Coordinates and monitors clinic infection control and sterilization compliance as well as maintenance needs. 

• Leads the team in performing routine equipment and operatory maintenance. 

• Communicates operational or personnel issues with Assistant Director. 

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. 

• Medical,prescription drug,dental,vision,life and AD&D,flexible spending accounts,and long-term disability insurancewith Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums  

• 12-15 daysof annual paidholidays   

• Up toeight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month  

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas 

• Health and Wellness:Free exercise programs and release time  

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, andmore   

• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee  

• Living Well,a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

Instructions to Applicants:Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application dataentered,or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.