Dental Assistant – Part-Time

Dental Assistant – Part‑Time Introduction

The Department of Health Services (DHS) and the Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) are recruiting a part‑time Dental Assistant. The position typically works daytime hours, three (3) days per week between Monday and Friday. MMHI is located on the north side of Madison and offers a beautiful campus environment, convenient free parking and an onsite workout facility. As an inpatient psychiatric facility with one outpatient program, MMHI is an integral part of the Wisconsin mental health service delivery system.

As a Dental Assistant, you will provide chairside and standing assistance as well as some administrative support in MMHI’s Dental Clinic. You will deliver services to patients with mental illnesses, adapt to the dentist’s preferred methods, and stay current on dental assisting, dental materials, and infection‑control procedures.

• Vacation and additional benefits prorated based on hours worked; certain limitations may apply in the first six months.
• Health plans starting at $45/month for single plans and $111/month for family plans after 2 months of state service.
• Pension plan with a 7.2% employer match in 2026 and a tax‑advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan.
• Flex spending accounts: medical, dependent care, commuter, parking and high deductible health savings.
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program.
• Free and confidential employee assistance program for employees and immediate family dependents.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer benefits.

The starting pay is $25.21 per hour, plus benefits. A $2,000 sign‑on bonus is provided to those with no state service in the last five years and who remain in the position after a 12‑month probationary period. The bonus is split into $1,000 upon hire and $1,000 after probation. An add‑on of $1.00 per hour may be paid for bilingual skills in Spanish.

All applicants must undergo a DHS background check and receive a TB test prior to starting. DHS does not sponsor work visas; I‑9 verification is required. DHS is not an E‑Verify or STEM‑OPT eligible employer.

• Training or experience as a dental assistant.

• Active dental assistant certification.
• Experience working with individuals with mental illness.
• Bilingual in Spanish. (A language assessment may be required for add‑on pay.)

Apply by clicking “Apply for Job” on the state job portal. Sign in or create an account, follow the steps in the application process, and submit before the deadline. No changes are allowed after submission.

Apply by January 13, 2026, at 11:59 pm. Only complete applications submitted within this window will be considered.

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer. Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on veterans’ hiring programs with the Wisconsin Department of Veteran’s Affairs, please visit DHS’s vendor portal.