Experienced Senior Dental Assistant -Immediate Start

About the role

We are a well-established, 6-chair dental practice that has proudly been part of the Ivanhoe community for over 25 years. Our brand-new, custom-built dental practice provides our team of professionals with a beautiful, modern and supportive working environment.

We are currently seeking an experienced Senior Dental Assistant to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated dental assistant who is ready to take the next step in their career and play an important role in supporting our clinicians, patients and wider team.

The successful applicant will play a crucial role in providing exceptional patient care while supporting our dentists and hygienists during clinical procedures.

If you possess high-level senior dental assisting qualities, have effective communication skills, demonstrate natural leadership capabilities and enjoy building positive relationships, this could be your next career move.

We are looking for someone who is driven, energetic, positive and proactive, with a genuine desire to contribute to a high-performing team and create a positive workplace culture.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Is honest, reliable and takes pride in their work

• Is driven, energetic and brings good vibes and a positive attitude to the workplace

• Has a mature, professional and approachable personality

• Has a strong eye for detail and takes ownership of their responsibilities

• Shows initiative and doesn't always wait to be asked

• Is willing to step up and lead when required

• Demonstrates natural leadership qualities and can confidently support other dental assistants

• Works collaboratively and is committed to supporting the whole team

• Can think critically, identify issues and problem-solve effectively

• Doesn't simply identify a problem but can consider options and present practical solutions

• Can confidently make decisions within their scope and escalate appropriately when required

• Is adaptable, organised and able to remain calm in a busy clinical environment

• Has excellent communication skills with patients, dentists, hygienists and support staff

• Takes pride in maintaining high clinical and infection-control standards

• Has the confidence and capability to provide cover for the Clinical Coordinator and 2IC when required

• Can assist with the smooth running of daily clinical operations

• Is keen to contribute to a positive, respectful and supportive team culture

Leadership & Clinical Operations

This role will suit a Senior Dental Assistant who is ready to take on additional responsibility and become an integral part of our clinical leadership team.

You will be expected to:

• Support the Clinical Coordinator with the day-to-day clinical operations

• Provide leadership and guidance to the dental assisting team

• Step up and provide 2IC/Clinical Coordinator cover when required

• Assist with room allocation, clinical flow and team coordination

• Help identify operational issues and proactively work towards solutions

• Support team members during busy periods

• Assist with onboarding and mentoring newer dental assistants

• Help maintain consistency in clinical protocols and standards

• Communicate effectively with clinicians and management

• Demonstrate initiative and take ownership of tasks

• Support the Practice Manager and Clinical Coordinator with practice-wide initiatives when required

Clinical Dental Assisting Responsibilities

• Correct use of suction, passing instruments and materials, mixing techniques and knowledge of instrumentation

• Assist efficiently with all clinical treatment

• Maintain the needs and comfort of the patient throughout procedures

• Clean and prepare treatment rooms ready for the next patient in line with the practice's infection-control protocols

• Check equipment and rooms for cleanliness and readiness

• Welcome patients and accompany them into treatment rooms

• Greet patients by name, smile, convey warmth and show genuine interest in the patient to help them feel relaxed

• Complete patient charts accurately

• Anticipate patients' needs and care requirements

• Complete follow-up and aftercare calls to patients following treatment when required

• Maintain a thorough and accurate working knowledge of materials used across all procedures

• Prepare and deliver materials at the dentist's direction

• Anticipate clinical requirements by reviewing the patient file, appointment book and current treatment

• Process contaminated instruments and equipment in accordance with practice procedures

• Maintain appropriate levels of supplies in treatment rooms

• Monitor and replenish supplies as required

• Develop, mount, label and file patient X-rays adequately and accurately

• Assist the front office team when required

• Work effectively across all areas of the practice to support smooth daily operations

In-House Dental Laboratory Experience

In-house laboratory experience would be highly regarded.

Experience and confidence in basic dental laboratory procedures, including the ability to make and finish appliances such as:

• Essix aligners/retainers

• Night guards and mouth guards

• Other basic laboratory or appliance-related tasks

This experience will be an advantage and provide an opportunity to further utilise your skills within our practice.

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Certificate III in Dental Assisting

• Minimum 5 years' clinical dental assisting experience

• Strong knowledge of clinical dental procedures and instrumentation

• Excellent infection-control knowledge and practices

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work independently while contributing strongly to a team

• Strong organisational and time-management skills

• Professional presentation and a patient-focused approach

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work proactively

Highly regarded:

• Senior Dental Assistant experience

• Previous leadership, mentoring or team coordination experience

• Experience providing Clinical Coordinator or 2IC cover

• In-house dental laboratory experience

• Experience making Essix aligners/retainers and mouth guards

• Experience across a broad range of dental procedures

The Right Personality

We are looking for someone who is more than just technically capable.

You will be someone who genuinely enjoys being part of a team, takes pride in what they do and understands that a great dental practice is built on people supporting one another.

You will bring:

Honesty • Initiative • Leadership • Energy • Positivity • Accountability • Attention to Detail • Problem-Solving • Teamwork • Professionalism

If you are someone who naturally sees what needs to be done, steps in to help, supports those around you and can bring a solution-focused approach to the day, we would love to hear from you.

What We Offer

The successful applicant will receive ongoing support and guidance from the Practice Manager, together with the opportunity to work alongside an experienced and supportive clinical team.

This is an opportunity to join an established practice where your experience, leadership qualities and initiative will be recognised and valued.

If you are ready to take the next step in your dental assisting career and want to be part of a positive, energetic and professional team, we would love to hear from you!

Find Out More

To learn more about Dentists of Ivanhoe, visit:

www.dentistsofivanhoe.com.au

Facebook: Dentists of Ivanhoe

Instagram: @dentistsofivanhoe

Apply Now

If you believe you have the skills, experience and personality to thrive in this role, we would love to hear from you.

Join the Dentists of Ivanhoe team and take the next step in your career!

Directly email you're CV and Cover Letter to Gemma

••••@dentistsofivanhoe.com.au