Dental Assistant

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

The Faculty of Dentistry promotes and provides oral health care as an integral component of overall health for regional, national and international communities through quality education, research and service. Reporting to the Clinical Care Service Manager, the Dental Assistant will provide comprehensive chairside dental assistance, for all patients, all dental and dental hygiene students, and dental faculty inclusive. The Dental Assistant will ensure efficient daily coordination of specific dental clinic activities in assigned service areas in accordance with established clinic policies. The Dental Assistant provides care to patients from different and distinct communities across Nova Scotia, including under-served and marginalized populations.

• Ensure efficient daily coordination of specific dental clinic activities in accordance with established clinic policies. Listen and demonstrate understanding to a variety of patients under care.
• Provide comprehensive chair-side dental assistance including radiographs (as required) for potentially infectious patients in assigned service areas for dentists, dental and dental hygiene students as assigned. Recognize the experiences and culture of patients when delivering care.
• Order, stock, and maintain clinical inventory for assigned areas. Ensure maintenance of assigned clinic area and adherence to proper infection control procedures.
• Deliver instrument trays to and from cubicles and soiled pick up.
• Perform patient chart data entry as required and assist in coordinating charts, ensuring accuracy of information for reporting.
• Act as an integral part of the Clinic dental assistant team assisting/anticipating needs of other clinics and support others as time permits. Demonstrate and assist in teaching various techniques, dental assistant utilization procedures, radiology, etc.

Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

• Current Level II Licensed to work in Nova Scotia as a Dental Assistant with a certificate from an accredited college with a National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) certificate and Coronal Polishing Certificate, with a minimum five years’ current chair-side dental assisting experience.
• Have a current Healthcare Provider Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator (CPR/AED) certificate.
• Proficiency in intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs.
• Experience assisting with both prosthodontic and surgical implant procedures.
• Excellent communication, time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core competencies, in particular:

- Self-Awareness & Professionalism
- Integrity
- Respect & Inclusion
- Adaptability
- Knowledge & Thinking Skills

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Non-probationary bargaining unit employees (NSGEU local 77) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please review our Employment Equity information.If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.