Dental Assistant I

Dental Assistant I

Job no: 540811

Work type: Staff Full-Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Allied Health, Veteran's Preference Eligible, Dentistry, Health Care Administration/Support

Department: 34080103 - DN-ORAL SURGERY RESIDENT

Classification Title:
Dental Assistant I

Classification Minimum Requirements:
High school diploma and one year of appropriate experience and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Appropriate college course work or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Job Description:

The University of Florida College of Dentistry is accepting applications for a Dental Assistant I. The Dental Assistant I herein described assists faculty and residents with day-to-day patient care. The incumbent is responsible for assisting with operatory setup and chair side assisting. He/she routes patients to appropriate areas and gives written and verbal care instructions.

Duties:

Assists dentist during examination and treatment of patients: Prepares patient and ensures that patients are comfortable, sets up instrument trays, prepares materials, and assists dentist during dental procedures. Takes and records medical and dental histories and vital signs of patient and enters the same in the EHR system. Sets up and breaks down dental operatories.

Assists outpatient surgical procedures in oral surgery by anticipating surgical needs, including setting up instruments and necessary materials, and monitors patients using blood pressure monitors, EKG monitors, and pulse oximeters under the physician's direction to detect any abnormal reactions during the procedures. Set up and break down surgical suites

Organizes inventory and orders supplies. When assigned as rover, the Dental Assistant patrols the clinical hallways, monitoring clinical activity as well as the patient schedule to provide back-up or assistance to dentists and primary assistants when needed. Rover duties include seating patients, taking vital signs, recording medical histories, setting up, sterilizing and breaking down operatories; assists in taking radiographs, and other duties as needed. Consistently communicates with front desk staff any patient related matters (i.e. appointment scheduling, billing, treatment, etc.).


Responds to oral, telephonic and written communication related to patient care (appointments, consultations, and emergencies) and performs related clerical duties, i.e. appoints patients in computer. Assist with appointment reminder calls and filling open schedules during periods of downtime.


Other Duties as assigned.


Expected Salary:
$17.00 - $18.00 per hour; commensurate with education and experience

Benefits:

The University of Florida offers low-cost State Health plans, a number of Dental plans to fit you and your family's needs, and Vision. Domestic partner coverage through GatorCare is also available. Optional plans such as life, disability, legal and accident insurance are also available.

Build your retirement roadmap with competitive pension plans, investment accounts and a host of voluntary add-ons, such as 457 deferred compensation and 403(b) plans.

UF provides a variety of leave programs including vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, personal leave days, and family medical leave. TEAMS employees accrue approximately 22 vacation days annually, 13 sick days annually, and 4 personal leave days, typically used during the holiday closing period (accruals based on full-time employment). UF also provides you the flexibility to deal with life's challenges by offering paid family leave, eight full weeks of leave over a 24-month period.

UF Employees are also eligible for the GatorPerks discount program, which provides big savings at various businesses and retailers!

Explore UF's plethora of benefit options here: TEAMS Benefits

Required Qualifications:
High school diploma and one year of appropriate experience and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Appropriate college course work or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of oral surgery instruments and equipment
• Ability to prepare, sterilize, maintain oral surgery instruments and equipment
• Ability to maintain and keep implant clinic running on a timely basis
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to plan, organize, and perform work assignments
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Special Instructions to Applicants:
In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume and a list of three references.

This position is eligible for veteran's preference. If you are claiming veteran's preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See our Veteran's Preference Page for more specific information.


Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date. This requisition has been reposted. Previous applicants are still under consideration and need not apply.

Health Assessment Required:Yes

Advertised: 25 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: 08 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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