Senior Dental Assistant

Job Summary

The Senior Dental Assistant performs chair‑side assisting duties for all disciplines of dentistry within the Dental Associates clinic, including emergency, restorative, pediatric, orthodontic, prosthodontic, endodontic, oral surgery, implant, and periodontic procedures. The role also includes laboratory work, radiography, patient liaison, and support for clinic operations in a high‑volume, fast‑paced environment.

• Assist dental students, residents, or faculty at chair side during all phases of dentistry using 4‑handed techniques.
• Maintain aseptic conditions, insert matrix bands & wedges, retract tissues, and manage suction and irrigation.
• Support laboratory duties: pour and trim prosthodontic models, fabricate bleaching trays, mouth guards, night guards, and condense prosthetic components.
• Perform full range of dental radiography (panoramic, periapical, occlusal, lateral, jaw, extra‑oral) and develop mounts in the patient electronic record system.
• Provide preventive oral‑health instruction, patient education, and assistance with schedule coordination.
• Maintain instruments and equipment, including sterile tray preparation and ensuring implant kits are complete.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as charting findings, updating medical histories, and preparing patients for follow‑up care.

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent with two years of related experience.
• Or Certified Dental Assistant and/or Associate’s degree with one year of experience.
• Or one year experience at the Dental College of Georgia.
• Or Bachelor’s degree with dental knowledge.

• Bachelor’s degree with focus in dental or health‑related studies.
• Graduation from a Certified Dental Assisting program.
• Current CPR certification.
• Intraoral Radiographic Certification and training in radiological safety.
• Minimum of two years experience in a general or multi‑specialty dentistry practice, with hands‑on experience in multiple disciplines.
• Proficiency in spoken Spanish.
• Certification as a Dental Surgical Anesthesia Assistant or ability to obtain within first year.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and dental software.
• Knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures.
• Expertise in 4‑handed dentistry and infection control protocols.
• Ability to identify and report adverse reactions to dental treatment.
• Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Manual dexterity to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Team‑oriented, detail‑focused, and able to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Days M/F;
Pay Grade B5;
Minimum $17.88 per hour, commensurate with qualifications. Benefits include health, dental, life insurance, retirement plan options, vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays. Tuition Assistance Program available for employees with 6+ months employment.

• Background check required prior to starting.
• Credit check for positions of trust or department purchase card usage, if applicable.
• Motor vehicle reports required for positions that involve driving a university vehicle.
• Additional credentials may be required for faculty hires.
• Security and privacy policy compliance is mandatory.

Augusta University is an equal‑opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.