Temporary Dental Assistant Salary $22.92 - $27.33 Hourly Location Lansing, MI Job Type Temporary Job Number 202600007 Department Forest Dental Services Opening Date 01/06/2026 Bargaining Unit UAW
Description Applications are accepted until there are sufficient numbers of qualified applications or qualified candidate has been identified. The position could possibly close at any time.
Under the supervision of Dental Director and Community Health Center Manager, the Dental Assistant assists in the examination of patients and the delivery of needed dental treatment in a Dental Health Center setting. Provides chair side assistance, prepares restorative materials and medications, sterilizes dental instruments, takes and develops x-rays and performs other functions to assist the dentist.
Essential Functions Greet patients, reviews medical and dental history, and prepares them for dental treatment. Evaluate patient behavior and participates in the behavioral management of patients to alleviate their anxiety or fears. May include giving basic explanation of procedures.
Arrange dental instruments, assembles dental instruments, materials, and medications on chair side tray in order of use. Provide post-operative instructions to patient and/or parent as prescribed by the dentist.
Sterilize instruments and keeps other equipment and surfaces disinfected using autoclave, ultrasonic cleaner, or chemical solutions. Practice required sterile techniques and ensures sanitary storage of supplies and equipment. Send sterilized strips from autoclaves to companies for testing to ensure that autoclaves are working properly.
Sterilization of instruments is performed both onsite in the Dental Health Center as well as on the Mobile Dental Center.
Assist dentist chair side for restorative and surgical procedures by preparing, passing, and receiving appropriate dental instruments, restorative materials, amalgams, dental cements, and temporary sedative fillings in the prescribed fashion.
Prepare material and impression trays used to construct models of a patient's mouth which is needed to manufacture appliances or dentures.
Keep oral environment visible during dental procedures by use of high volume evacuation, air, water spray, rubber dams, or other devices. Assist dentist/hygienist in a manner as to optimize the safety of the patient, hygienist, or dentist in the course of patient treatment.
Take and develop dental radiographs, following radiation safety protocols.
Dispose of waste materials from dental procedures including dental sharps, extracted teeth, blood soaked gauze, cotton rolls, and other disposable supplies according to OSHA guidelines and infection control.
Instruct patients and parents on proper oral hygiene and other dental issues.
Assist in staffing outreach activities related to dental health. Distribute promotional materials, make presentations, and give tours to interested groups. This includes Sealant program, distributing permission slips for Lansing and Holt Schools. Schedule Sealant visit dates with schools for the school year. Follow up with parents of students identified as needing further dental care during Sealants. Schedule and perform oral care education presentations at individual schools.
Clean, and disinfect as necessary, the general service area in the Health Center and on the Mobile Dental Center. Inventory, order, and store service materials.
Prepare bills for services provided, prepare purchase requisitions to order supplies and submit them to Dental Director and CHC Manager for approval (forwards them to the accounting office).
Other Functions: During a public health emergency, the employee may be required to perform duties similar to but not limited to those in his/her job description.
Drive Mobile Dental Center to and from schools, schedule maintenance and repair appointments for the MDC.
Fueling MDC (diesel fuel only), fill on-board fresh water tank (done when washing MDC)
Empty grey water tank (done when washing MDC)
Clean Mobile Dental Center interior weekly.
Dental Equipment Preventative Maintenance.
Inspect dental equipment and perform general maintenance on interior dental equipment.
Tighten bolts on Operatory chairs and lights - Often become loose due to varying road conditions.
Clean Autoclave and Ultrasonic instrument cleaner.
Schedule autoclave and Ultrasonic cleaner equipment inspection.
Inspect external dental air compressor and dental vacuum motor (under vehicle, forward passenger side).
Schedule annual air compressor maintenance, compressor air filter replacement and any vacuum motor repairs with Dental Repair technician.
Employment Qualifications
Experience: Six months of experience as a Dental Assistant.
Other Requirements: Must be certified, or be able to become certified, in monitoring and assisting in the administration of Nitrous anesthesia. Must be certified in dental radiographs (x-rays).
Demonstrates effective communication skills by engaging, interacting and working with all individuals to ensure clarity and understanding in all interactions. Must provide copies of certifications.
Requirements and Working Conditions
Physical Requirements: Ability to push and pull the dental unit, weighing 25 lbs. Ability to perform physical movements specific to dental assisting, including the precise passing of instruments, materials, and medications. Ability to deal with the visual restraints of working in the oral cavity. Ability to restrain and manage uncooperative patients.
Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements.
Working Conditions: Ability to work in an area with high noise levels caused by dental equipment. Exposure to chemicals found in dental materials and products, such as acids and disinfectants. Exposure to biological hazards such as blood borne pathogens, infectious diseases, contaminated wastes, saliva, and radiation.
2022UAW-G This position is benefited and is subject to the UAW GROUP CBA. Ingham County offers a wide range of benefits to support you in your career. View the Benefits page for more information. The current group contract can be viewed here.
Application Questions
Do you have a certification in Dental Assisting? Yes No
How many months/years of experience do you have as a Dental Assistant? I have no experience I have 3 months of experience I have 6 months of experience I have 1 year of experience I have 2 years of experience I have 3+ years of experience
Please briefly describe your Dental Assistant experience, if not applicable type N/A.
Are you certified in monitoring and assisting in the administration of Nitrous Anesthesia? Yes No
If you are not certified are you able to become certified in monitoring and assisting in the administration of Nitrous Anesthesia?
Are you certified to do Dental Radiographs, this is required for this position (X-Rays)? Yes No
Did you submit your cover letter and resume? Yes No
Did you submit your Dental Assistant Certificate, if you did not please explain why.
Did you submit your x-ray certification, if you did not please explain why as this is required for this position.