Dental Assistant I-II (Open Rank)

Job Summary:

The University of Colorado, College of Nursing, is seeking a Dental Assistant I or II (open rank) for a full-time (1.0 FTE), benefits-eligible position at Sheridan Health Services (SHS), a Federally Qualified Health Center located in southwest Denver, CO (zip code: 80236). This position will provide quality oral health care to patients at the community clinic sites.

Clinic Description:

Sheridan Health Services is a multi-site, nurse-managed FQHC, funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration Bureau of Primary Healthcare. The clinic serves community health needs primarily for residents of Arapahoe, Denver, and Jefferson counties, and is located in southwest Denver on the Fort Logan campus. It provides services to adults and children, 65% of whom identify as Latinx, and 42% of whom are best served in another language, with Spanish being the predominant second language. Services offered include primary care across the lifespan; prenatal and postpartum, women's health, dentistry, pharmacy, behavioral health, and outpatient substance use treatment. SHS is a Patient-Centered Medical Home and upholds a model of care that places the patient at the center, incorporating the values and beliefs of the individual in all decision-making.

https://nursing.cuanschutz.edu/patient-care/sheridan-health-services

Examples of Work Performed (All Levels):

• Rooms patients in the dental operatories.

• Collects/Records vitals (blood pressure, pulse, weight, height) and blood sugar as indicated.

• Assists dentists, hygienists, and other dental team members with patient preparation and positioning and clinical area preparation for the treatment of patients for a variety of treatment procedures.

• Bilingual in English and another language. Communicating clinical terminology to patients and colleagues.

• Assists faculty and dental students in all areas of four-handed dentistry including, but not limited to, surgical, periodontal, restorative, and all other related procedures.

• Prepares specialized instrument set-ups for faculty, dental students, and hygienists (as needed) to be used during dental patient treatment.

• Inspects instruments/tools to ensure they are in good condition/working order.

• Performs waterline shocking, spore testing, and deep cleaning of clinical equipment.

• Performs appropriate aseptic and sterilization techniques.

• Stocks/Maintains dental inventory/supplies in treatment rooms.

• Performs dental intraoral and extraoral radiographs and other images using appropriate technique, X-ray equipment, and safety equipment. Mounts and identifies radiographic films and other images. Transfers images into a patient's chart as directed.

• Performs routine administrative work in support of the clinic such as:

  • Electronic Health Record input, data reporting.

  • Answers phone calls and schedules appointments for all clinic locations.

  • Collects payments from patients for services provided and makes change where needed.

  • Reconciles change bank daily and submits daily deposit and deposit reconciliation report.

  • Obtains pre-authorizations for insurance companies.

  • Aids with preparation of claims for insurance payers.

  • Verifies financial coverage and coordinates payment plans.

  • Prints and presents treatment plans to patients, and then builds and reviews treatment plan estimates with patients before the patient signs the estimate/treatment plan.

• Ensures strict compliance with University and professional policies/procedures.

• Cleans and sterilizes instruments/dental equipment.

• Cleans, disinfects, and maintains all clinical, laboratory, and other community workspaces.

• Communicates effectively with all team members and participates in meetings.

• Other duties as assigned.

At the Dental Assistant I level, duties are performed within established and known systems, processes, and operations which permit little deviation.

At the Dental Assistant II level, the type of duties is similar to those performed at the lower level, but the complexity of the job is different. In addition to the examples of work performed at both levels, the Dental Assistant II level:

• Makes temporary crowns.

• Trains new hires and externs.

• Places and removes retraction cords.

• Polishes teeth.

• Applies fluoride.

• Provides patients with pre-op and post-op instructions, as well as oral hygiene instructions.

• Charts existing restorations or conditions.

• Places and removes matrix bands.

This description is a summary only and describes the general level of work being performed; it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change from time to time and/or based on business need. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located at Sheridan Health Services - Southwest Denver, 3525 W. Oxford Avenue Unit G1, Denver, CO 80236

Why Join Us:

CU Nursing is an amazing place to be. We have the distinct advantage of being a part of a huge medical campus with three incredible hospitals - the VA, the nationally ranked University of Colorado Hospital, and the Children's Hospital Colorado, where our nursing students and faculty learn every day. From our beginning 125 years ago as part of the School of Medicine at CU Boulder to our current home at the Anschutz Medical Campus, the college has been a recognized leader in nursing education (ranked #10 in online MS graduate programs by U.S. News & World Report 2023). Our faculty, students, and staff have been instrumental in shaping the profession of nursing and teaching the next generation of nurses while treating patients in our own nurse-led clinics. Be a part of an innovative, dynamic, diverse, and exciting workplace -- helping make great things happen. Join us in our quest to boldly transform health together.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation, and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package, including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options

• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay

• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

• Holiday Days: 15/year

• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

• ECO Pass: Reduced-rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Dental Assistant I:

• Graduate from an accredited dental assistant training program.

  • Substitution: One (1) year of dental assistant experience may substitute for completion of an accredited program.

Dental Assistant II:

• Graduate from an accredited dental assistant training program.

  • Substitution: One (1) year of dental assistant experience may substitute for completion of an accredited program and is in addition to any required years of experience.

• One (1) year of experience as a dental assistant.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

Dental Assistant I:

• One (1) year of experience as a dental assistant.

• Experience utilizing one of the following languages, in addition to English, on a daily basis to communicate clinical terminology: Spanish, Dari, Farsi, Ukrainian, Russian, Arabic, or Swahili.

• Experience with or formal training in handling bloodborne pathogens.

• Experience with or formal training in complying with OSHA Biohazard Safety Standards.

• Experience as a dental assistant in a Federally Qualified Health Center, Patient-Centered Medical Home, and/or community health setting.

Dental Assistant II:

• One (1) year of experience as a dental assistant in a Federally Qualified Health Center, Patient-Centered Medical Home, and/or community health setting.

• Experience utilizing one of the following languages, in addition to English, on a daily basis to communicate clinical terminology: Spanish, Dari, Farsi, Ukrainian, Russian, Arabic, or Swahili.

• Experience with or formal training in training dental assistant staff.

• Experience with or formal training in performing blood glucose checks.

• Experience with or formal training in cord placement.

• Experience with or formal training in placing provisional crowns, temp-bond use, and finish polishing.

• Experience with or formal training in occlusal adjustment.

• Experience with or formal training in pulp vitality testing.

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

• Must be willing and able to obtain current BLS/CPR certification by the date of hire.

• Must be willing and able to remain credentialed and ensure credentialing materials stay current.

• Must be willing and able to work weekends as needed for promotional events.

• Must be willing and able to work in a patient care environment with some exposure to biological hazards and infectious diseases.

• Must be willing and able to provide quality oral health care to patients at Sheridan Health Services and other community clinic locations based on departmental need.

• Must be willing and able to work evening hours based on the needs of the department.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Exemplary patient care skills.

• Collaborative nature.

• Ability to work with children and adults.

• Analytical thinker.

• Strong social skills.

• Fundamental knowledge of dental materials, their use, maintenance, and storage.

• Digital competency.

• Familiarity with an Electronic Medical Record program.

• Exemplary organizational skills and ability to prioritize.

• Ability to function as a team member.

• Highly responsible and reliable.

• Welcoming and friendly attitude.

• Maintain sensitive & confidential client information according to HIPAA policy.

• Participates in quality improvement efforts for continued high-quality care.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to the listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

Questions should be directed to: College of Nursing Human Resources at CON.HR@ucdenver.edu or 303.724.4447

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by November 3, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as:

• Dental Assistant I: $42,156 to $45,528

• Dental Assistant II: $44,256 to $47,798

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine-preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety-sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.