Job Description

Position Information

Position Title

Dental Assistant (Sessional) (Designated Position)

Department/Unit

Dental Clinic

Location

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Posting Number

S153-25

Employee Group

NSGEU Local 77

Position Type

Regular, On-Going

Duration of Contract (if applicable)

Employment Type

Full Time

Full-time Equivalency (FTE)

1.0

Salary

$31.61 - $40.03 per hour ($57,533 - $72,853 per annum, 35 hours per week, prorated to $47,944 - $60,711 for 10 month sessional role)

Classification

T8

Provisional Statement

About Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada's leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region's intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Job Summary

The Faculty of Dentistry promotes and provides oral health care as an integral component of overall health for regional, national and international communities through quality education, research and service. Reporting to the Clinical Care Service Manager, the Dental Assistant will provide comprehensive chairside dental assistance, for all patients, all dental and dental hygiene students, and dental faculty inclusive. The Dental Assistant will ensure efficient daily coordination of specific dental clinic activities in assigned service areas in accordance with established clinic policies. The Dental Assistant provides care to patients from different and distinct communities across Nova Scotia, including under-served and marginalized populations.

Key Responsibilities

Ensure efficient daily coordination of specific dental clinic activities in accordance with established clinic policies. Listen and demonstrate understanding to a variety of patients under care. Provide comprehensive chair-side dental assistance including radiographs (as required) for potentially infectious patients in assigned service areas for dentists, dental and dental hygiene students as assigned. Recognize the experiences and culture of patients when delivering care. Order, stock, and maintain clinical inventory for assigned areas. Ensure maintenance of assigned clinic area and adherence to proper infection control procedures. Deliver instrument trays to and from cubicles and soiled pick up. Perform patient chart data entry as required and assist in coordinating charts, ensuring accuracy of information for reporting. Act as an integral part of the Clinic dental assistant team assisting/anticipating needs of other clinics and support others as time permits. Demonstrate and assist in teaching various techniques, dental assistant utilization procedures, radiology, etc.

Note

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. In keeping with the principles of Dalhousie's Employment Equity Plan, the position is designated to candidates who self-identify as

African Nova Scotian

.




To be eligible for this position, you must self-identify as African Nova Scotian in keeping with this definition: African Nova Scotians are a distinct people who descend from free and enslaved Black planters, Black loyalists, Black refugees, Maroons and other Black people who inhabited the original 52 land-based Black communities in that part of Mi'kma'ki known as Nova Scotia.

Preference will be given to candidates from the Preston Township (East Preston, North Preston, Lake Loon, and Cherry Brook) or those with prior experience volunteering, working, or engaging with this community, given the role's location and the community it serves.

The successful candidate must provide proof of up-to-date immunization for the following (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Chickenpox and Hepatitis B). A copy of the lab report for Hepatitis B surface antibodies must be provided, along with evidence of the 2 Step Mantoux (Tuberculin) test. Annual Influenza inoculation is recommended. The successful candidate must keep their immunization status current during their employment.



Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus. Work will be located at the Nelson Whynder Elementary school Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and at the Faculty of Dentistry clinic (located on the Dalhousie University, Carleton campus) Monday and Friday.

Required Qualifications

Current Level II Licensed to work in Nova Scotia as a Dental Assistant with a certificate from an accredited college with a NDAEB certificate and Coronal Polishing Certificate, with a minimum five years' current chair-side dental assisting experience. Have a current Healthcare Provider CPR/AED certificate. Proficiency in intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs. Experience assisting with both prosthodontic and surgical implant procedures. Excellent communication, time management and organizational skills. Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

Assets

Job Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie's core competencies (https://www.dal.ca/dept/leaders.html), in particular:

Respect & Inclusion Adaptability Knowledge & Thinking Skills Communication Service

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Bargaining unit employees (NSGEU local 77) are given priority consideration and will be notified on the status of their application following assessment. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.



We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit

www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity

If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed

here

.


Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies

1

Open Date

09/08/2025

Close Date

09/08/2025

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/19477