Dental Clinic Supervisor

Requirements (must be documented on application/resume):

• Six years experience as a dental assistant: a combination of related education and work experience in a healthcare setting/dental clinic to equal at least six years, or a BA/BS plus at least two years of experience in a healthcare setting/dental clinic.
• Experience in a lead assistant role or as a supervisor of dental assistants (this could include managing daily clinic flow, time off and absences of team, scheduling, supplies maintenance, OSHA standards, etc.).
• Skilled in assisting with a variety of dental procedures, maintaining a clean and safe working environment, and documenting patient care services.
• Current MN Dental Assisting License.
• Dental Assistant National Board (DANB) certification or ability to obtain certification within 4 months of hire.
• Current CPR certification (BLS)
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated/documented ability to adjust to changing priorities and urgent patient and provider needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing/supervising in a private practice.
• Experience in an educational setting.
• Familiarity with union/collective bargaining rules and regulations.

The Clinic Supervisor is responsible for defining roles and job expectations of dental assistants and other dental clinic staff for daily operations of the School of Dentistry clinics. This position is vital to giving exceptional care to our patients and providing a positive and professional learning environment for staff, students, residents and faculty. A successful candidate will be a highly motivated, positive, team leader who is willing to take initiative and jump in wherever needed. Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Chairside Assisting (75%)
• Provide chair-side assistance to undergraduate students, residents, and faculty providing clinical services to patients in an educational setting.
• Assist with instructing dental assistant interns, externs or other clinic visitors as needed.
• Monitor and assist with maintaining inventory; order and stock supplies.

• Initiate equipment repairs.

• Supervision (20%)

• Supervise dental assistants, student workers and other clinic staffing.
• Interview, hire, train, assign work, evaluate, reward, coach, transfer, suspend, promote, discharge and handle disciplinary processes/grievances as necessary. Conduct performance reviews, make recommendations
• Develop and document best practices for materials usage and chairside assistance.
• Create staffing schedules to support patient care as well as student and staff needs.
• Plan, coordinate and approve temporary staffing as needed.
• Approve/deny time and absence requests as appropriate
• Enforce HIPAA compliance, University of Minnesota policies and procedures
• Facilitate and support staff participation in professional development, educational opportunities, workshops and/or seminars as appropriate.
• Promote a culture of positivity, teamwork and inclusivity. Resolve issues as they arise. Understand and assure policies are carried out within the context of AFSCME collective bargaining contract for labor represented employees.
• Meet with staff to maintain consistent communication regarding policies, procedures and concerns. Ensure staff compliance with all relevant policies and guidelines including health and safety, HIPAA, OSHA, School and University policies. Verify training, certification is complete.
• Navigate escalated situations involving faculty, staff, and students. Provide guidance to staff and offer alternative solutions that meet the needs of all parties. Engage with Patient Liaison to address escalated patient or visitor concern; employ de-escalation techniques.
• Other duties as assigned (5%)
• Provide support to the Associate Dean for Patient Care & Clinical Services in carrying out the mission of the School of Dentistry and University of Minnesota.
• Serve on School of Dentistry Committees and represent Department, School and University-wide committees, as appropriate.
  Maintain, prepare, and follow clinic protocols.- Provide backup for team members as needed and other special projects as assigned.
• Continue professional development through attendance of courses, workshops, seminars and other meetings; maintain professional certification and licensure.

NOTE: Additional essential functions of this position include but are not limited to: Sitting and standing for long periods of time. Reaching, bending, lifting, twisting and similar movements involved in dental assisting. Must be able to handle and resolve medical emergencies and situations in a calm and professional manner to resolve the issue quickly. A successful candidate must work well with many different types of personalities and be able to maintain a strong team of diverse patient care professionals.

The hours of this position vary and will be arranged by the Office of the Associate Dean for Patient Care & Clinical Services. The days of work are Monday through Friday, with potential for an occasional Tuesday evening.

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is the state's only dental school and the only dental school in the northern tier of states between Wisconsin and the Pacific Northwest. The School of Dentistry advances health through scientific discovery, innovative education, and the highest quality care for all communities. Our impact extends beyond dental offices to classrooms and clinics throughout the region. We educate dentists, dental specialists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental educators, and research scientists.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail or call

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).