Instructional Assistant – Dental Clinic (Part Time, Temporary Hourly, Non-Benefited) (Non-Benefited)

Position Details

Position Information

Position Title
Instructional Assistant – Dental Clinic (Part Time, Temporary Hourly, Non-Benefited) (Non-Benefited)

Classification Title
Temporary PT Hourly

Hourly rate, Stipend, or Load Unit
30.00/hour

Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Open Until Filled Notes
Open For 2026-2027 Academic Year

Position Type/Employee Class
Temporary PT Hourly

Instructor Status
Not applicable

Overtime Eligible
Non-Exempt

FLSA Status

Campus Location
Bend

Primary Purpose

To assist instructor by working with students, dentists, and patients in the Dental Clinic at COCC and facilitate student learning. Provide formative verbal assessment to students while they assist the dentists in the provision of treatment on patients. In coordination with the instructor during debriefing sessions, provide verbal summative assessments of the students’ assisting skills that were demonstrated.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Pre- Clinic Duties

Interact with Lab Coordinator to request the order of needed supplies from the Dental Clinic Budget in time for their use in clinics

Regularly check expiration dates of clinic materials to assure fresh materials are used for patient care

Maintain separation of Dental Clinic and Laboratory supplies

Clinical Duties for Instruction

Arrive at the clinic early to set up the front desk including all necessary legal documents, turn on compressor, x-ray processor/computers, sterilizers, prepare ultrasonic cleaner, and all other duties to prepare for clinic

Direct student in opening duties (turning on units, x-ray heads, and flushing water lines

Provide support to clinical instructor as needed and/or as requested

Partner with the volunteer dentists and dental assisting faculty to provide quality care to patients

Coordinate student instruction and mentoring to facilitate smooth student/patient flow and efficient dental care

Perform or instruct students in sterilization and aseptic techniques in the clinic

Participate in pre-clinic discussion with students and debriefing after clinic

Maintain or direct students in waterline asepsis including the use of chemicals, shock treatments, and drying the lines after each clinic.

Clinic Maintenance

Drain ultrasonic and disinfect it after every clinic, or direct students to do so

Maintain sterilizers, including water levels, cleaning, and emptying of waste water bottles

Direct students in the refilling and chemical maintenance of water bottles

Coordinate with Lab Coordinator to make sure all equipment is functioning prior to a scheduled Dental Clinic

Materials and Supplies

Keep all dental clinic materials and supplies in the operatories stocked

Add all clinic materials that have reached the re-order point to the order list

Work with Lab Coordinator to keep clinic clean and organized (clinic supply storage area, wall shelves, tubs, counters, drawers, etc.)

Department Specific

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Dental assisting experience in general dentistry

Ability to manage patient flow for efficiency of patient care

Ability to mentor and direct students during patient care

Experience in sterilization and maintaining aseptic techniques

Must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using the English language with or without the use of an interpreter.

Ergonomic Requirements

Work is performed during regular working hours and in the Dental lab in a clinical environment, mostly standing and walking. All individuals are required to be able to perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Minimum Requirements

Education:

High School diploma or GED

Certifications:

Current Certified Dental Assisting (CDA) Certification

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) Certification

Experience:

Computer literacy: experience with email, Internet, word processing, and spreadsheets (preferably experience with MS Office Suite products).

Familiarity with the Internet and internal E-Mail system (prefer knowledge of Outlook).

Accurate arithmetic, grammar, spelling, editing and proofreading skills.

Knowledge of standard office equipment and phones.

Experience with equipment use and maintenance in a dental operatory and lab.

Equivalency Statement

The College recognizes the value of skills and knowledge gained outside of formal higher education and paid employment. Applicants who do not meet minimum qualifications but present other qualifications or experience equivalent to those required will be considered and are encouraged to apply. To qualify under equivalency, applicants must indicate how they qualify under equivalency by responding to the supplemental question presented during the application process.

Preferred Qualifications

Customer Service experience.

Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.

EEO Statement

The goal of Central Oregon Community College is to provide an atmosphere that encourages our faculty, staff and students to realize their full potential. In support of this goal, it is the policy of Central Oregon Community College that there will be no discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, disability, sex, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran or military status, pregnancy or any other classes protected under federal and state statutes in any education program, activities or employment. Persons with questions about this statement should contact Human Resources at 541.383.7216 or the Vice President for Student Affairs at 541.383.7211.

This policy covers nondiscrimination in both employment and access to educational opportunities. When brought to the attention of the appropriate parties, any such actions will be promptly and equitably responded to according to the process outlined in general procedures sections N-1, N-2, or N-3.

In support of COCC’s EEO statement, bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is considered a plus, along with experience working in a diverse multicultural setting.