Dental Assistant

Position Information

Job Title:

Dental Assistant

Union Level: V

Department:
Department of Dental Practice

Campus:
San Francisco

Posting Number: P

Full or Part Time:
Full Time

Number of Months: 12

Work Schedule:

Position is full-time, five (5) days per week, seven and one-half (7.5) hours per day.

Open Date: 12/22/2025

Open Until Filled:
Yes

Under the general supervision of the Clinic Manager, supports and contributes to the school's mission statement by performing dental assisting and patient care support responsibilities for the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic.

University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritize policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio-cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socio-economic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty, and staff.

• Perform chairside duties, including four-handed dentistry techniques, during surgical, implant and reconstruction procedures; collaborate with faculty members to support quality patient care.
• Assist in the monitoring and treatment of surgical patients, ensuring their comfort, safety, and well-being throughout the surgical process. Support registered nurse with patient care tasks, including monitoring vital signs, attending to special needs, and ensuring the comfort of medically compromised patients.
• Provide patients with comprehensive postoperative instructions and necessary materials to facilitate recovery process.
• Provide instruction and guidance to students regarding use of electronic patient health records to foster proficiency in effectively navigating the system.
• Provide immediate feedback and corrective guidance to students regarding preparedness to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Manage the distribution of mobile clinical equipment to students, faculty, and authorized personnel as needed (i.e. handpiece motors, patient monitors, translation units).
• Maintain cleanliness in patient care areas; adhere to strict infection control protocols; replenish operatory suites and oversee proper disposal of infectious waste materials, including monitoring sharps containers and facilitating their removal as necessary.
• Communicate with Clinic Manager all recommendations for procurement, replacement, and repair of surgical and mobile dental instruments as directed by the OMS surgeons.
• Organize and maintain inventory levels of surgical instruments, linens, gowns, and other clinical supplies, ensuring readiness for surgical procedures; perform annual inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Clinic Manager or Department Chair.

Knowledge of:

• Chairside dental assisting.
• Dental terminology.
• Surgical instruments and nomenclature.
• Surgical, sedation and anesthesia procedures.
• Aseptic surgical techniques and infection control procedures.
• Emergency procedures including CPR.
• Electronic health records (EHR) systems and dental software applications.

Ability to:

• Perform chairside assisting for surgical procedures.
• Recognize and set-up dental instruments.
• Apply patient management and time management skills.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Utilize clinic management system.
• Maintain and utilize equipment, instruments and supplies.
• Coordinate a variety of duties under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrate organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Maintain strict adherence to infection control protocols.
• Maintain neat and accurate records.

Experience:

• Minimum of one-year chairside dental assisting.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Current RDA license.
• Current CPR certificate.
• Current California X-ray license.
• Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support or within one year of employment.
• Certification as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Assistant or within one year of employment.

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Knowledge of:

• Medical terminology.

Ability to:

• Work collaboratively and effectively with internal and external personnel to avoid scheduling conflicts.
• Work independently or as part of a team.
• Demonstrate initiative and sound judgment in fast paced environment.
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times.
• Communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and patients.
• Effectively provide assistance to staff, students, faculty, and residents.
• Commitment to upholding high standards of patient care, safety, and professionalism.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with students and faculty.

Experience:

• Surgical chairside assisting experience strongly preferred.
• Previous experience in oral surgery or a related field preferred.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) or equivalent certification.

Other:

• Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice,…