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
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
September 2015
Dental and Oral Health Clinic – Organisational Environment
The Faculty of Science has more than 9000 students and over 500 staff dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge.
It delivers flexible, innovative teaching programs designed to produce job-ready graduates for the professions. A
leader in strategic and applied research in a wide array of sciences it enhances and extends knowledge, trains and
educates future researchers and provides scientific solutions to current challenges. The staff and students in the
Faculty achieve this through ethical practice, professional collaborations, industry involvement and a commitment to
continual improvement.
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 with the assistance of the School of Dentistry and Health Sciences.
CSU Position Description – Senior Dental Assistant
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Organisational Chart
Executive Dean,
Faculty of Science
Executive Board of
Management
Clinical Director
Dentists
Senior Dental
Assistants
Senior Dental
Receptionists
Dental Assistants
Receptionists
Reporting Relationships
This position reports to:
This position supervises:
Clinical Director
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 Clinical Director 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 in the provision of high standard oral health care and customer service to patients.
CSU Position Description – Senior Dental Assistant
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Principal Responsibilities
1. Management
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Assist the Clinical Director in the day-to-day management and quality improvement of Clinics;
As a team leader, provide day-to-day support and direction to Dental Assistants to ensure clinic
activities run smoothly;
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 Clinical Director;
Liaise with key stakeholders to address day-to-day operations of the Clinic and escalate issues as
appropriate;
Liaise with the Clinical Director regarding the ordering and storage of consumables to maximise the
resources available to the Clinic;
Resolve equipment breakdowns and equipment maintenance in a timely manner, liaising with
suppliers and the Division of Facilities Management as required;
Manage the rostering of staff to ensure appropriate support to and patient safety for clinical activities.
Liaise with the Campus Cashier to ensure timely and accurate reconciliation of banking as required;
Coordinate minor building maintenance requests through BEIMS (Building and Engineering
Information Management System) and building access for external stakeholders;
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;
Liaise with the Senior Receptionist to ensure uniformity of reception practices between the Clinics as
required.
2. Patient Flow
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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;
Provide excellent customer service to promote the Clinics’ reputation and encourage the flow of
patients to the private clinicians;
When necessary, liaise with the NSW Local Health District and other key stakeholders to supplement
the patient pool as required.
3. Infection Control
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Ensure the implementation and compliance with the Charles Sturt University Dental and Oral Health
Clinic Infection Control Policy and Sterilisation Room Procedures;
Liaise with the key stakeholders to ensure efficient functioning of sterilisation facilities.
4. Communications
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Communicate in a professional, respectful and courteous manner at all times;
Respond to patient feedback, including complaints, professionally and escalate as appropriate;
Provide superior customer service at all times;
Maintain privacy and confidentiality of patient records at all times.
5. Training and Continuing Education
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Maintain awareness of new developments and techniques, undergoing appropriate and continuing
professional development;
Provide professional support and mentoring to staff;
Provide support for inducting new students and employees;
6. General Duties
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Actively contribute to and promote improvements in the workplace.
Contribute to the Employee Development and Review Scheme for Dental Assistants
Other duties appropriate to the classification as required.
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Capabilities
Applicants are expected to uphold the values of Charles Sturt University by:
Collaborative
 Fostering and maintaining a collaborative and professional working environment and being committed to
identifying, and genuine in embracing, the positive attributes and benefits others bring to the CSU
community whether they be team members, colleagues, students or visitors.
Student Centred
 Being able to recognise and respond to our students’ needs and understand the impact our roles and our
behaviours have on students and the University.
Agile
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Being able to recognise change in the environment in which we operate and to respond by actively
identifying opportunities for innovation with a solutions focus, and capability to adapt to change and
changing requirements.
Agents of change
 Being supportive of change initiatives and taking positive action to support change.
Reliable
 Operating with authenticity and delivering on goals and commitments.
Inclusive
 Being genuinely mindful of and sensitive to the needs of others and demonstrating empathy and respect in
all our communications and interactions across both our CSU and wider communities.
Physical Capabilities
Applicants are expected to be physically able to:
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Work for significant periods of time standing up.
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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.
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Perform in a safe and appropriate manner, push/pull, reaching, grasping and fine manipulation tasks, and
infrequently lifting items up to 15kg.
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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 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 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;
2. 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";
3. 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";
4. This appointment is conditional upon the successful applicant holding and maintaining a Current First Aid
Certificate or equivalent.
Further information is available from
Dr Heather Cameron
Clinical Director
Phone: 02 6365 7647
Email: hcameron@csu.edu.au
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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 www.csu.edu.au/jobs/.
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: http://www.csu.edu.au/jobs/working-with-us/benefits-and-rewards.
Essential Information for Staff
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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 http://www.csu.edu.au/division/hr/.
Further information regarding the policies and procedures of CSU can be found in the CSU Policy Library at:
https://www.csu.edu.au/about/policy.
The following links are listed from CSU Policy Library on relevant specific policies:
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Code of Conduct
Staff Generic Responsibilities Policy
Delegations and Authorisations Policy
Outside Professional Activities Policy
Intellectual Property Policy
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