Senior Dental Assistant

Dental and Oral Health Clinic

Faculty of Science

Position Number
Campus / Dubbo, Bathurst, Albury-Wodonga, Orange, Wagga Wagga
Classification / Level 5
Delegation / This position has delegated authority to Band 2.
Hours per Week / 35
Special Conditions / i)The University is committed to enhancing services to students. Hours of work may be extended in accordance with the provisions of Clause 24 of the Enterprise Agreement.
ii)Ability to travel between clinics.
Nature of Employment / Continuing
Employee Contribution to Superannuation / 7% (flexible contribution options available)
Employer Contribution to Superannuation / 17%
Workplace Agreement / Charles Sturt University Enterprise Agreement 2013-2016
Date Last Reviewed / 3 October 2017

Dental and Oral Health Clinic – Organisational Environment

CSU Dental and Oral Health Clinics are dedicated to the facilitation of Dentistry Services in the University’s multi campus clinics. The focus of the Clinics is to operate in a sustainable and business-like manner within the context of a University environment and to seek opportunities that will support the operation of the School of Dentistry and Health Sciences while providing a standard of health care in the regions in which the University operates that complies with a national standard.

The Clinics will maximise the opportunity for students to undertake clinical experience necessary to meet their educational and professional requirements and will foster strong industry and community support.CSU offers both private and student clinics to the general public.

The Clinics are run by the Faculty of Science under the guidance of the School of Dentistry and Health Sciences.

Organisational Chart

Reporting Relationships

This position reports to:Clinical Director

This position supervises:Dental Assistants

Our Commitment

Charles Sturt University values its commitment to being student focused and to continually look for ways to enhance our students’ experience. To ensure we deliver on that commitment, Charles Sturt University expects staff to genuinely hold the same values and to implement those values by maintaining the highest level of integrity, professional conduct and the manner in which they present themselves as a representative of our organisation.

Position Overview

The Senior Dental Assistant will be responsible for the provision of quality clinical and professional support to oral health clinicians, teaching staff and Dentistry students. The Senior Dental Assistant will assist the Clinic Co-ordinator in the efficient day-to-day management of the Clinic, provide direction and guidance to Dental Assistants of the Clinic, and assist in the sustainable and business-like operation of the Clinic and its compliance with national standards.

In addition, the Senior Dental Assistant will be required to undertake the duties of a Dental Assistant and / or Dental Receptionist inthe provision of high standard oral health care and customer service to patients.

Principal Responsibilities

  1. Management

i)Assist the Clinic Co-ordinator and Clinical Director in the day-to-day management and quality improvement of Clinics.

ii)As a team leader, provide day-to-day support and direction to Dental Assistants to ensure clinic activities run smoothly.

iii)Ensure the standardised implementation of and compliance with Dentistry and Oral Health Clinic policies and guidelines that are compliant with national standards, as directed by the Clinic Co-ordinator and Clinical Director.

iv)Liaise with key stakeholders to address day-to-day operations of the Clinic and escalate issues as appropriate.

v)Liaise with the Clinic Co-ordinator regarding the ordering and storage of consumables to maximise the resources available to the Clinic.

vi)Resolve equipment breakdownsand equipment maintenancein a timely manner, liaising with suppliers and the Division of Facilities Management as required.

vii)Manage the rostering of staff to ensure appropriate support to and patient safety for clinical activities.

viii)Liaise with the Campus Cashier to ensure timely and accurate reconciliation of banking as required.

ix)Coordinate minor building maintenance requests through BEIMS (Building and Engineering Information Management System) and building access for external stakeholders.

x)Liaise with the Division of Information Technology to address urgent information technology (IT) issues and liaise with the Clinical Director to improve the IT delivery to the Clinic.

xi)Liaise with the Senior Receptionist to ensure uniformity of reception practices between the Clinics as required.

  1. Patient Flow

i)Review patient needs in the Patient Management System, and allocate and appropriately distribute supply of patients to the student clinicians to assist them in meeting their requirements.

ii)Provide excellent customer service to promote the Clinics’ reputation and encourage the flow of patients to the private clinicians.

iii)When necessary, liaise with the NSW Local Health District and other keystakeholders to supplement the patient pool as required.

  1. Infection Control

i)Ensure the implementation and compliance with the Charles Sturt University Dental and Oral Health Clinic Infection Control Policyand Sterilisation Room Procedures.

ii)Liaise with the key stakeholders to ensure efficient functioning of sterilisation facilities.

  1. Communications

i)Communicate in a professional, respectful and courteous manner at all times.

ii)Respond to patient feedback, including complaints,professionally and escalate as appropriate.

iii)Provide superior customer service at all times.

iv)Maintain privacy and confidentiality of patient records at all times.

  1. Training and Continuing Education

i)Maintain awareness of new developments and techniques, undergoing appropriate and continuing professional development.

ii)Provide professional support and mentoring to staff.

iii)Provide support for inductingnew students and employees.

  1. General Duties

i)Actively contribute to and promote improvements in the workplace.

ii)Contribute to the Employee Development and Review Scheme for Dental Assistants.

iii)Other duties appropriate to the classification as required.

Physical Capabilities

Applicants are expected to be physically able to:

  • Work for significant periods of timestanding up.
  • On occasion travel in or drive a University vehicle distances up to 500kms per day within the terms of the University’s Driving Hours Guidelines and Policy
  • Perform in a safe and appropriate manner, push/pull, reaching, grasping and fine manipulation tasks, and infrequently lifting items up to 15kg.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are expected to address the selection criteria when applying for this position.

Essential

  1. Completion of a degree without subsequent relevant work experience as a graduate upon appointment; or completion of an associate diploma with a range of experience, including at least 2 years’ subsequent relevant work experience; or completion of a certificate III in Dental Assisting and extensive subsequent experience,including at least 5 years’ subsequent relevant work experience; or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any other combination of education, training and/or experience;
  2. Demonstrated experience in the coordination of a dental clinic, including staff and resource management;
  3. Demonstrated ability to use initiative and problem solve;
  4. Excellent oral and written communication skills and a demonstrated ability to liaise effectively with a range of individuals, including the general public, and provide excellent customer service;
  5. Demonstrated proficiency in using Windows-based software and database applications, including an electronic Patient Management System and capability to embrace and learn new technologies to achieve work objectives;
  6. Capability to maintain privacy and confidentiality at all times and understanding of legislative requirements;
  7. Demonstrated experience in the preparation of risk assessments and safe work procedures and proven ability in the safe use, handling and disposal of hazardous substances and dangerous goods;
  8. Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team and the ability to lead people effectively;
  9. Demonstrated time management and organisational skills and an ability to meet deadlines;
  10. Current NSW Class C Drivers’ Licence or equivalent.

Desirable

  1. Completion of or evidence of progression towards Certificate IV in Radiography or Oral Health or Certificate III in Sterilisation;
  2. Experience in the implementation of procedures and training / induction of staff.
Special Conditions
Prior to commencement, and for the duration of this appointment, it is a requirement of this position that the following conditions of appointment are met:
  1. This appointment is conditional upon the successful applicant satisfying and maintaining a Working with Children Check, in accordance with the Child Protection Act 2012;
  1. In accordance with NSW Health this position has been identified as a Category A risk. As such, this appointment is conditional upon the successful applicant providing evidence of protection against the infectious diseases specified in the NSW Health "Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases Policy";
  1. It is a condition of this position that you remain aware of your blood borne virus status through annual serology testing and testing in the event of exposure, in accordance with the NSW Health "HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C - Health Care Workers Infected Policy";
  2. This appointment is conditional upon the successful applicant holding and maintaining a CurrentFirst Aid Certificate or equivalent.

Further information is available from
Dr Heather Cameron
Clinical Director
Phone: 02 6365 7647
Email:

Attachment (i)

Information for Prospective Staff

Your Application

E-recruitment is the method by which CSU manages its recruitment processes and it is preferred that all applications be lodged using this method. Please refer to

If intending applicants are unable to access this website, please contact the HR Service Centre on 02 6338 4884.

Staff Benefits

CSU is committed to providing an employment environment that fosters teamwork, innovation, reflective practice, continual learning, knowledge sharing and opportunities for staff to achieve their full potential. CSU

is committed to providing a flexible working environment that encourages employees to live a balanced lifestyle, combining work and family responsibilities.

To find out more:

Essential Information for Staff

  • All employees have an obligation to comply with all the University’s workplace health & safety policies, procedures and instructions and not place at risk the health and safety of any other person in the workplace;
  • All employees are required to be aware of and demonstrate a commitment to the principles of equal opportunity in the workplace;
  • All employees are to ensure the creation and maintenance of full and accurate records of official University business adheres to the University’s Records Management Policies; and
  • All employees are expected to undertake an induction program on commencement.

Further information regarding the policy and procedures applicable to Occupational Health and Safety and Equal Opportunity can be found on the CSU website

Further information regarding the policies and procedures of CSU can be found in the CSU Policy Library at:

The following links are listed from CSU Policy Libraryon relevant specific policies:

  • Code of Conduct
  • Staff Generic Responsibilities Policy
  • Delegations and Authorisations Policy
  • Outside Professional Activities Policy
  • Intellectual Property Policy

CSU Position Description – Senior Dental Assistant(October 2017) Page | 1