Dental Assistant Senior

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.


Mission Statement

Mission Statement of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry:
Enhancing health through education, service, advocacy, research, and discovery.

Vision:
As a global leader in integrated health, we drive innovation through groundbreaking research and transformative education, preparing future-ready leaders to deliver equitable, exceptional care and advance the dental profession.

Core Values:

• Compassion:
  We approach each interaction with collegiality, empathy, and professionalism, recognizing the unique contributions of each individual.
• Leadership:
  We empower each person to lead and contribute to our shared goals.
• Excellence:
  We uphold high standards and drive progress in healthcare.
• Responsibility:
  We promote integrity, professionalism, and accountability to ensure ethical decision-making.
• Trust:
  We commit to an honest, transparent environment that fosters healthy relationships.
• Creativity:
  We approach problems with bold thinking by crafting innovative solutions that benefit our community.
• Belonging:
  We embrace and celebrate our diverse community by fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging.

Job Summary

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry , founded in 1875 in Ann Arbor, is a top-ranked, world-renowned institution for dental education, research, and clinical care. It consistently ranks among the top dental schools globally, offering DDS, dental hygiene, and advanced graduate programs, including a unique program for internationally trained dentists.

You will receive and prepare patients for dental treatment. You will prepare work surfaces and materials for use by the dentist. This position will also assist the dentist at chair-side in the treatment of patients. You will also assist with oral examinations and charting under the supervision of the dentist. You will perform dental radiography work and may assist in the development and revision of training procedures and assist in the training of dental students. This position will also keep records of appointments, examinations, treatments, and supplies.


Please Note:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Responsibilities*

• Assist with a wide variety of chairside procedures using four-handed dentistry in graduate and predoctoral Pediatric Dentistry clinics.
• Assist providers with oral examinations, operative procedures, and other pediatric dental treatments, anticipating provider needs throughout each procedure.
• Provide clinical support and guidance to dental students, graduate residents, and faculty during patient care.
• Assist graduate residents with patient sedation, behavior management, and complex pediatric dental procedures.
• Prepare, position, and support patients for treatment to facilitate efficient four-handed dentistry and promote patient safety and comfort.
• Prepare treatment areas, instruments, and materials prior to patient appointments and maintain appropriate supplies throughout treatment.
• Obtain and document patient vital signs prior to sedation procedures.
• Assist with oral sedation procedures and the management of patients requiring specialized or additional treatment support.
• Work with Pediatric Dentistry residents and faculty in the operating room at Michigan Medicine/University Hospital and in the Hospital Dentistry Clinic (HDC)/Mott Children's Hospital to provide comprehensive dental care using four-handed dentistry.
• Prepare patients, treatment areas, instruments, and materials for hospital-based dental procedures.
• Support residents and faculty during complex dental procedures performed under hospital-based sedation or anesthesia.
• Submit requests for dental supplies, equipment, and other materials needed to support operating room and hospital dentistry services.
• Monitor, organize, and maintain dental supply inventory for operating room procedures and hospital-based dental care.
• Obtain digital dental radiographs in accordance with established procedures, clinical standards, and provider instructions.
• Maintain appropriate stock levels of dental supplies and materials in assigned treatment areas. Maintain dental suction lines and traps to support proper clinic function and infection control.
• Prepare, clean, and process dental instruments for sterilization in accordance with established procedures.
• Prepare instruments, materials, equipment, and work surfaces for use by dental providers. Maintain clean, organized, and properly equipped treatment areas to support efficient patient care.
• Assist with the training and clinical education of dental students and provide guidance regarding appropriate chairside procedures and clinical protocols.
• Support students and residents in developing effective four-handed dentistry and clinical assisting techniques.
• Follow and consistently apply current infection prevention and control standards, including applicable OSHA and HIPAA requirements.
• Adhere to departmental, School of Dentistry, Michigan Medicine, and institutional policies and procedures related to patient safety, infection control, clinical care, and confidentiality.

Required Qualifications*

• A certificate of completion from an accredited dental assisting program.
• At least two (2) years dental assisting experience.
• Certification as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) or Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) is required.
• Knowledge of dental clinic practices and procedures.
• Must be CPR certified.
• Must hold a Radiography Certification (xray).
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact professionally with patients, faculty, residents and staff at all times.
• Possess current knowledge of infection control standards pertaining to OSHA and Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Excellent communication skills and attendance record.
• Ability to multi-task and have attention to detail.
• Willingness to work as a team player for the delivery of excellent patient care.
• Maintain license and continuing education.

Desired Qualifications*

• Knowledge of pediatric dental procedures.
• Experience with School of Dentistry policies and EPIC electronic health record.

Why Work at Michigan?

The School of Dentistry is consistently ranked as the #1 dental school in the United States and the world. We embrace diversity in many forms and champion diversity of thought and culture. Our Mission, core values, and additional information about our school can be found on our website. The University of Michigan also offers comprehensive benefits to help you stay well and to support you as you plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous paid time off for vacations, holidays, sick time, season days, and paid parental leave.
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions after the first year of employment.
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Work-life programs to strengthen a workplace culture that supports personal and family life, including child care, elder care, lactation resources, and mental and emotional health services.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, hours to be determined


Work Locations

School of Dentistry, 1011 N. University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109


Additional Information

We are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for everyone. As part of the onboarding process, all candidates are required to submit their immunization records to Occupational Health Services (OHS) prior to their appointment start date to verify their immunization status. The process includes completing a two-step TB test for all new hires and providing proof of Hepatitis B immunization for clinic-facing roles. Additional immunizations may be necessary based on public health guidance or specific job responsibilities.

Please Note: This is a 1-year term limited position


Union Affiliation

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals (UMMAP), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.


Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.


Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.


U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

283897

Working Title

Dental Assistant Senior

Job Title

Dental Assistant Senior

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Onsite


Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Nonexempt

Organizational Group

School Dentistry

Department

DENT Pediatric

Posting Begin/End Date

10/02/2026 - 10/16/2026

Salary

$54,225.60 - $78,707.20

Career Interest

Patient Care Services