Position Overview: The Dental Assisting Program Lab Aide supports faculty and students in the dental assisting laboratory by preparing instructional materials, maintaining lab equipment and supplies, and assisting with hands-on learning activities. This position plays a key role in ensuring a safe, organized, and effective learning environment for students in lab courses.

Qualifications:

• Must hold a current South Dakota Dental Assisting or Dental Hygiene credential.
• Must hold a Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certified Dental Assistant credential. This requirement does not apply to dental hygienists.
•  Experience in dental assisting, dental hygiene, or a related healthcare field.
• Knowledge of basic dental instruments, procedures, and infection control practices.
• Knowledge of OSHA and CDC dental standards.
• Familiarity with dental radiography equipment and materials, preferred.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Prepare and set up dental laboratory stations for instructional activities, including instruments, materials, and equipment.
• Assist instructors during lab sessions by supporting demonstrations and student practice.
• Clean, disinfect, sterilize, and properly store dental instruments and equipment in accordance with OSHA, CDC, and infection control standards.
• Maintain inventory of lab supplies and notify faculty of low stock or ordering needs.
• Organize and maintain the cleanliness and functionality of the dental lab.
• Ensure students follow safety and infection control protocols in the lab.
• Support students with proper use of equipment and materials under faculty supervision.
• Other duties as assigned.

Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 8 AM – 4 PM for spring semester (ends May 21, 2026). Additional hours available if desired.

REPORTS TO:  Dental Assisting Program Director, Dean of Academics, Vice President

SALARY:  

Hourly rate set by the Watertown School Board. The rate for 2025-2026 is $22.44 per hour.