Laboratory assistant – dental assistant
Location
Mesa Campus (957 S. Dobson Road) | On-Site
Type: Part-Time 10 hours per week Days
Department: Dental Assistant Program
Compensation
$20.80 – $24.96 per hour
Position Summary
Support the hands-on education and training of future healthcare professionals! Pima Medical Institute is seeking a Laboratory Assistant – Dental Assistant to assist in delivering lab instruction in accordance with established curriculum standards and course objectives .
In this role, you will work side-by-side with program faculty to set up lab scenarios, guide students through clinical skill check-offs, grade assignments using instructor answer keys, and ensure students master essential four-handed and six-handed dentistry techniques .
Key responsibilities
Lab Preparation & Instructional Support
Scenario
Development: Coordinate regularly with program faculty and didactic instructors to develop, schedule, and execute practical lab scenarios .
Hands-on
Demonstration: Demonstrate the proper operation of all clinical skills equipment, ensuring students adhere to safe, current dental assisting techniques .
Supply
Management: Monitor lab inventory, check supplies, and prepare restock requests for the Faculty Coordinator or Office Assistant . Assist with preparing and copying course materials as needed .
Student Advising & Grading
Skill
Check-Offs: Assist instructors at the end of each module to ensure all clinical check-off sheets are fully completed, signed, and turned in to administration on time .
Academic
Feedback: Assist in grading student homework and quizzes using provided instructor keys . Schedule regular check-ins with students to advise them on their academic performance and progress .
Faculty
Collaboration: Provide feedback to Didactic Instructors, Clinical Directors, and Program Directors regarding individual student learning needs and potential academic risks .
Record Keeping & Compliance
Confidentiality: Maintain detailed, confidential student records regarding performance, skill progression, testing, and written assignments in accordance with institutional policy .
Professional
Development: Maintain thorough familiarity with course objectives and program standards, participating in faculty in-service trainings and professional development events .
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- Education: Graduation from an accredited Dental Assistant program recognized by the USDE or CHEA (or recognized equivalent/foreign entity) OR a minimum of four (4) years of job-related training and experience for non-accredited program graduates .
- Practical
- Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of occupational (practical) experience in Dental Assisting .
- Clinical
- Skills: Functional proficiency in four-handed and six-handed chairside dentistry principles , as well as awareness of state regulations governing dental assisting educational programs .
- Technical
- Proficiency: Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and basic computer/office software .
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills .
Required Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations
- Active credential as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), or Licensed Dentist (CDA/RDA credentials not required for licensed dentists) .
- Current license, certification, or registration as required by local, state, or federal laws to work in the dental assisting field .
COMPENSATION • Hiring Range
$20.80 to $24.96 per hour.
