Academic Lab Manager, Clinical Dental Assistant

Application Deadline:               Friday, July 30, 2021

                                                     Salary is $40,336.58. Compensation package is comprised of many college paid benefits including health and life insurance, retirement, leave time, and tuition waivers for Santa Fe College and the University of Florida.

Classification:                            Full-time, Technical/Professional, Pay Grade PT3, Exempt

Location:                                    Northwest Campus and all Educational Centers, Sciences for Health Programs, 3000 NW 83rd Street, Gainesville, Florida, 32606.

Overview:  Santa Fe College (SF) has been recognized as one of the top-rated community colleges in the United States.  Santa Fe College is a student-centered institution with a commitment to open access, academic excellence, and cultural and ethnic diversity.  Santa Fe College is a comprehensive public college that offers a range of Bachelor’s degrees, Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degree options, as well as Certificate and Non-Degree programs.  A high quality of life, temperate climate, proximity to the University of Florida, diverse cultural events, and plentiful recreational opportunities make SF and Gainesville an ideal community to work and live.  SF enrolls over 16,000 students each semester, retains and completes over 60% of students every academic year, while over 10% transfer into the University system.

The Academic Lab Manager, Clinical Dental Assistant is responsible for assisting dentists at chairside while serving as instructional resource who demonstrates, models, and explains the work being accomplished in the clinical setting. Additionally, they will provide feedback to faculty regarding student and cohort skill levels and progress. Responsible to oversee compliance and monitoring of clinic protocols and safety processes, as well as inventory and supply management for the laboratories and dental facilities.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Assist program dentist(s) with restorative appointments.
• Supervise and provide guidance to students in clinical setting. Provide feedback to supervising faculty based upon student’s adherence to dental program’s protocols and policies
• Provide clinical support to faculty and students when students are not yet competent in activities such as obtaining radiographs, expanded functions, charting, etc. 
• Assist in the pre and post appointment review of patient chart. Maintain log of dental lab cases and confirm arrival for appointments and review.
• Assist in the preparation and presentation of treatment plans, assist in incorporating into student learning experience as appropriate.
• Work with the program dentist(s) and clinic coordinator to ensure productive clinic schedule to meet current needs of students, program and community.
• Assist in researching, developing, implementing, and overseeing infection control protocols in clinic to adhere to CDC, OSHA, OSAP, and ADA recommendations
• Manage inventory, oversee ordering, and maintain adequate laboratory and clinical supply levels, including obtaining quotes and placing equipment and supply orders, including O2 and N2O tanks as applicable, coordinate replacement and delivery of new tanks.
• Maintain and repair equipment as needed, as well as the equipment and repair log, coordinate with outside companies for repair needs.
• Maintain chemical and dental material records (SDS).
• Provide fit testing for student and faculty respirators.
• Use prescribed sterilization techniques and procedures in cleaning of instruments.
• Supervise and train students tasked with equipment sterilization.
• Participate in departmental activities and college service activities as assigned, including activities related to the recruitment of students for the dental program.
• Oversee bio waste control and removal for the Health Sciences Programs and other Santa Fe College departments
• Cover dental clinic reception desk as needed.
• Provide service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible, and professional engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Reports to: Director, Dental Programs

Qualifications

Required: Three years of related work experience as a chairside dental assistant OR graduate of a CODA accredited dental assisting program and two years of related work experience as a chairside dental assistant. Current BLS CPR certificate/ Expanded Functions Dental Assistant certificate.

Additional Requirements: Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 20lbs routinely. A criminal background check will be conducted.

Preferred: Associate or bachelor’s degree in relevant field. Five years or more of related work experience as a chairside dental assistant. Current DANB certificate. Experience training new professionals in the dental field. Experience with dental office management or supervisor responsibilities. Experience working with students in a clinical dental setting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Adaptability to Change – able to be flexible and supportive, react swiftly to and able to positively and proactively assimilate change in rapid growth environment.
• Communication – able to effectively communicate in a professional, diplomatic, empathetic, and tactful manner using preferred method and level as applicable to the job.
• Critical Thinking & Judgement - able to make well-reasoned, sensible, and timely decisions based on careful, objective review and informed analysis of available information, considerations, and other factors.
• Multi-task - Ability to expeditiously organize, coordinate, manage, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously to swiftly assess a situation, determine a logical course of action, and apply the appropriate response.
• Problem Solving – proven skills in identifying issues, determining their cause, developing creative solutions, and following through with implementing resolutions.
• Relationship Management – able to personally provide high level of interactive service to others, building relationships and addressing identified needs.
• Systems & Software - proficient level of knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or relevant position software programs.
• Team Orientation & Interpersonal – highly motivated team player with ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with all levels within and external to the organization.
• Ability to work successfully in a multi-cultural environment.

Application Process: All applicants must submit a completed online SF Employment Application, a letter of intent, an up-to-date resume, certifications, as well as college transcripts to be considered for this position. College transcripts should be submitted to confirm academic qualifications. Official transcripts must be submitted prior to any employment offer. Unofficial transcripts are only accepted for review purposes.