Job Description

Position Summary:

The Dental Assistant performs a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. This position prepares patients for oral examination and assists other dental professionals in providing treatment to the teeth, mouth, and gums. This position also performs back-office duties, including training Student Dental Assistants, equipment maintenance, supply inventory maintenance, and managing patient referrals and lab cases.

This is a regular, part-time, 12-month position, working 32 hours per week. The annualized full-time salary of $45,000-$48,000 will be pro-rated based on the part-time schedule of 32 hours per week and is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

CSU Health Network

The CSU Health Network (CSUHN) at Colorado State University provides a full range of cost-effective mental health and primary care medical services on campus, referral for community specialty care, and comprehensive health education and prevention services programming. Services such as physical therapy, dentistry, and optometry are available. The CSU Health Network is active in creating a healthy campus environment to support learning and success. For more information about the CSU Health Network at Colorado State University, see https://health.colostate.edu/.

Dental Services

Dental Services at the CSU Health Network provide affordable, convenient, quality care to students and their spouses and domestic partners. The Clinic provides a full range of dental services including preventive, diagnostic, restorative, and adjunctive treatment. Digital x-rays are available, as well as oral cancer screening and tooth whitening. The Dental Clinic is staffed by licensed dentists, registered dental hygienists, and certified dental assistants. Services are provided at reduced rates compared to community providers; patients may pay at time of service or utilize their university student account. The Dental Clinic provides services between the hours of 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday-Thursday, providing attractive work schedules for staff.

Essential Job Duties:

• Assists the dentist at chairside during clinical procedures, including instrument transfer, maintaining a clean field, mixing materials, charting, and taking radiographs

• Performs basic dental laboratory functions such as taking impressions, pouring and trimming models, and fabricating simple dental devices

• Trains and supervises student dental assistants, including scheduling, scope of practice oversight, and instruction on clinical procedures, PPE, sterilization, and infection control

• Serves as the Safety and Infection Control Liaison, ensuring compliance with state, federal, and AAAHC standards

• Manages dental lab cases and patient referrals to support efficient workflows and continuity of care

• Performs clinic opening and closing duties, maintains environmental asepsis, and supports daily clinic operations

• Maintains and performs routine upkeep of dental equipment, including documentation of maintenance and compliance logs

• Provides front desk and administrative backup support as needed to ensure seamless clinic operations

• Manages clinical supply inventory, participates in staff meetings and quality improvement initiatives, and supports special projects as assigned

Supervision:

• No supervisory authority

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).

• Use, Handling, or Exposure to hazardous materials - Must be willing and able to use, handle, or be exposed to hazardous materials with training.

• Special Requirements - The CSU Health Network follows CDC guidelines for Employee Health in a healthcare setting, including proof of vaccinations. Employees must show proof of compliance/willingness to comply by start date.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years of experience working as a Dental Assistant; OR

• Substitution: Successful completion of an accredited dental assisting program may substitute for one year of experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, creating positive relationships with customers and staff

• Strong listening, verbal, and written communication skills

• Ability to multi-task, highly organized and detail-oriented

• Ability to deal with challenging situations in a positive and professional manner

• Self-starter and ability to work in a team environment

• Knowledge of infection control and OSHA

• Knowledge of and ability to apply HIPAA regulations wit