Dental Assistant - Metro, Regional & Speciality Units

Why This Role Matters

The Dental Assistant within SA Health – Statewide Clinical Support Services plays a critical role in supporting the delivery of safe, high-quality public dental services across metro, regional, and speciality units in South Australia. This position contributes directly to community oral health by assisting clinicians during procedures, maintaining infection control standards, and ensuring efficient clinic operations. By supporting public dental programs, the role helps improve access to essential oral healthcare services for diverse patient populations.

Job Description

The Dental Assistant will provide chairside support to dental practitioners across metropolitan, regional, and specialist service units. The role involves preparing treatment rooms, sterilising instruments, maintaining infection prevention protocols, assisting during a range of dental procedures, and supporting administrative and patient coordination tasks. This position requires adaptability to work across different clinical environments and maintain high standards of safety and patient care within a public health system.

Key Features of the Role

• Position: Dental Assistant – Metro, Regional & Speciality Units
• Company: SA Health – Statewide Clinical Support Services
• Location: Adelaide, SA (Metro & Regional Clinics)
• Employment Type: Full-Time / Ongoing (as per service requirements)
• Salary: $48,664 – $63,154 + Super + Salary Sacrifice
• Work Environment: Public dental clinics (metro, regional & specialist units)

Responsibilities

• Provide chairside assistance during general and specialist dental procedures
• Prepare and maintain dental treatment rooms to clinical standards
• Sterilise instruments and ensure strict adherence to infection prevention and control guidelines
• Assist with patient preparation and support during procedures
• Maintain accurate clinical records and documentation
• Manage stock control and ensure availability of dental materials and equipment
• Support administrative functions including appointment coordination when required
• Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary dental teams
• Adapt to metro, regional, and specialist clinic environments as required

Required Qualification

Candidates must have relevant experience in chairside dental assistance and infection control practices within a clinical dental setting.

Educational Requirement

• Certificate III or IV in Dental Assisting (or equivalent) preferred
• Minimum 6 months’ experience in chair-side dental assistance and infection control
• Knowledge of infection prevention standards within Australian healthcare settings

Important Remarks

• Experience in public dental services or specialist units is advantageous
• Willingness to work across metro and regional clinics may be required
• Strong understanding of infection control and safety compliance is essential
• Eligibility to work within South Australia public health services is required

Experience and Skills

Experience Required

• Minimum 6 months of recent experience in chairside dental assisting
• Experience in infection control and sterilisation procedures is mandatory
• Exposure to specialist dental units is desirable

Key Skills Expected

• Strong chairside assisting skills across general and specialist dentistry
• Excellent knowledge of infection control protocols
• Ability to work efficiently in fast-paced clinical settings
• Good communication and patient support skills
• Strong organisational and teamwork abilities
• Adaptability to varied clinical environments

Salary Insights

• Annual salary ranges from $48,664 to $63,154 per annum
• Additional benefits include Superannuation and Salary Sacrifice options as per SA Health policies

Company Overview

SA Health – Statewide Clinical Support Services delivers public healthcare services across South Australia, including comprehensive dental care through metro, regional, and specialist clinics. The organisation focuses on accessible, safe, and high-quality health services while supporting workforce development and community wellbeing.

FAQs

1. What experience is required for this role?
A minimum of 6 months’ experience in chairside dental assistance and infection control is required.
2. Is a formal dental assisting qualification necessary?
A Certificate III or IV in Dental Assisting is preferred.
3. What is the salary range?
$48,664 – $63,154 per year plus Super and Salary Sacrifice benefits.
4. Where will I be working?
Across Adelaide metro, regional, and specialist dental units in South Australia.
5. Are there additional benefits?
Yes, Superannuation and Salary Sacrifice options are included.

Application Tips

• Clearly highlight your minimum 6 months chairside assisting experience in your CV
• Emphasise infection control knowledge and sterilisation competencies
• Mention any experience in public health or specialist dental units
• Include details of certifications such as Certificate III/IV in Dental Assisting
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to work across metro and regional clinics