Dental Assistant Supervisor

About the role

The Dental Assistant Supervisor provides direct supervision and day-to-day operational oversight of Dental Assistants assigned to the Dental Department at Tepeyac Community Health Center. This role supports efficient patient flow, staff performance, and consistent execution of clinical workflows.

Responsibilities

• Direct Supervision & People Management
• Direct day-to-day supervision of Dental Assistants, including monitoring performance, professionalism, attendance, and adherence to departmental standards.
• Provide real-time feedback, corrective coaching, and recognition of strong performance to support staff development and accountability.
• Address performance, punctuality, and conduct concerns in a timely and professional manner and communicate patterns or concerns to the Practice Manager.
• Lead regular check-ins and participate in annual performance evaluations by providing written and verbal feedback to support staff growth and development.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment within the dental department.
• Lead team huddles and meetings in partnership with Practice Manager and Dental Leadership.
• Dental Operations & Patient Flow
• Develop and oversee daily Dental Assistant assignments, room coverage, provider support schedules, and break coordination to ensure appropriate clinic coverage.
• Monitor provider schedules and adjust Dental Assistant support as needed to reduce delays and maximize patient access.
• Ensure operatories are prepared and turned over efficiently between patients according to infection control standards.
• Serve as the first-level troubleshooter for workflow disruptions, staffing gaps resulting from same-day call-offs, equipment issues, and urgent patient care needs.
• Aid in schedule utilization initiatives to support productivity and patient access goals.
• Clinical Quality, Compliance & Safety
• Ensure Dental Assistants adhere to clinical workflows, infection prevention standards, sterilization procedures, radiology protocols, and documentation requirements.
• Report clinical concerns or variations in clinical practice to Practice Manager and Dental Director as it is identified.
• Monitor completion and accuracy of sterilization logs, biological monitoring records, equipment maintenance logs, radiology documentation, and other required regulatory records.
• Reinforce compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, CDC infection control guidelines, Colorado Dental Board requirements, ALARA and Tepeyac policies and procedures.
• Support patient and staff safety by completing incident reports and escalating concerns as appropriate.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives related to patient experience, access, clinical quality, and operational efficiency.
• Conduct quality assurance audits of Dental Assistant workflows and documentation.
• Address performance trends and identify process improvement opportunities in partnership with the Practice Manager.
• Training, Onboarding & Competency
• Lead onboarding and orientation for new Dental Assistants, students, and externs assigned to the department.
• Conduct competency assessments, skills validation, and ongoing coaching for new and existing staff.
• Identify training gaps and provide in-the-moment education, reinforcement of workflows, and escalation to the Practice Manager and/or the Dental Director as needed.
• Support cross-training efforts to ensure operational flexibility and continuity of care.
• Ensure staff maintain required certifications, competencies, and continuing education requirements.
• Communication & Leadership
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Dental Assistants regarding workflow questions, daily operations, and clinical support needs.
• Communicate workflow updates, process changes, and departmental expectations clearly and consistently to staff.
• Partner with dentists, hygienists, and administrative staff to ensure Dental Assistant support aligns with patient care needs and departmental goals.
• Promote Tepeyac's culture of teamwork, respect, accountability, and service excellence in daily interactions.
• Supplies, Equipment & Clinic Readiness
• Ensure operatories, sterilization areas, and clinical workspaces are stocked, clean, organized, and ready for patient care each day.
• Complete routine inventory and supply checks and communicate supply needs or concerns to the Clinic Operations Tech or Practice Manager.
• Support proper handling, storage, and documentation of dental materials, instruments, medications, and supplies.
• Maintain equipment functionality and coordinate service requests and preventative maintenance as needed.
• Oversee sterilization workflows to ensure instruments are processed, stored, and documented according to established protocols.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to listen actively, provide clear direction, and deliver feedback in a respectful and constructive manner.
• Demonstrated ability to support, coach, and guide staff in a collaborative, team-oriented clinical environment.
• Ability to lead by example, promote accountability, and maintain professionalism in a fast-paced healthcare setting.
• Strong knowledge of dental assisting practices, infection prevention, sterilization standards, radiology requirements, and dental clinic operations.
• Hightly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities, respond to real-time operational needs, and support efficient patient flow.
• Flexible, adaptable, and solution-oriented, with the ability to adjust to changing clinic operations and patient care demands.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with providers, supervisors, and other departments.
• Demonstrated commitment to culturally responsive and equitable care, with the ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, and immigration status.
• Strong alignment with Tepeyac's mission, values, and commitment to serving underserved communities with compassion, respect, and humility.