Dental Pre-clinic Lab Operations Supervisor

The Dental Pre-clinic Lab Operations Supervisor plays an integral role in supporting the education of dental students. This position is responsible for the management of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry's 3M Simulation Dental Clinic, known as the pre-clinical laboratory or "pre-clinic," and related laboratory spaces. The Dental Pre-clinic Lab Operations Supervisor understands all aspects of lab operations, and in partnership with the Director of Pre-clinical Dentistry, works to identify and implement operational efficiencies. This role liaises with course directors and course faculty on materials/ instrumentation needs and budgets, manages the procurement process, and facilitates course material availability, per specification. The Dental Pre-clinic Lab Operations Supervisor may supervise other employees and/or student workers, to ensure dental students receive assistance during pre-clinical coursework.

Responsibilities include:

Management of Lab Operations (50%)

• Understand all aspects of lab operations; analyze; develop and enforce policies, procedures and compliance requirements. Research procedural problems; identify and implement operational efficiencies. Organize and document workflow and processes.
  • Perform continual analysis of processes to identify and correct gaps and deficiencies - recommend possible solutions.
  • Oversee the maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment in conjunction with dental engineering; ensure timely and complete repair.
  • Evaluate audio-visual needs; identify/propose improvements; coordinate/facilitate implementation of any new equipment; monitor function and maintenance.
  • Evaluate and elevate standards of cleanliness; monitor waste and ensure work areas are in compliance with healthcare industry standards and University policies.
• Materials Management
  • Procure, inventory, and manage materials and equipment used in the 3M Simulation Clinic.
    • Work with course directors to identify materials, instruments, and equipment used in pre-clinical courses.
    • Ensure product stock is adequate in both quality and quantity.
      • Communicate with UMarket, dental vendors and dental laboratories to purchase materials and products; utilize various methods including EFS, University procurement card; follow School and University policies and procedures. Track orders, receive physical products and place into electronic inventory to track usage/product availability.
      • Work within established course budgets. Identify opportunities for quality improvement and/or cost savings.
    • Perform regular audits of supply levels; collaborate regularly with personnel to investigate and adjust discrepancies between physical count and perpetual inventory.
    • Manage lab organization including inventory; ensure policies are in place to keep the lab neat, organized and secure.
• Oversee dispensing and collection of materials, instruments, and equipment for lab sessions. Ensure high level of quality customer service to staff and faculty needing product, supply, equipment or other support.
• Assist faculty with any operational needs during pre-clinical activities.

• Create and/or supervise the creation of casts and other dental related laboratory teaching materials.

Education Program Assistance/Laboratory Course Support (20%)

• Develop pre-clinic orientation materials; organize sessions and present to users of the pre-clinic.
• Communicate lab content information, lab expectations/directions, and updates to students, course directors, and other involved parties.
• Assist students with the operation of lab equipment.
• Work with course directors and oversee facilitation of pre-clinical laboratory courses; this includes packaging materials, instruments, and equipment and ensuring availability when needed.
• Understand all pre-clinical course offerings; partner with the Pre-clinical Administrative Assistant to proactively ensure course support needs are met.
• Learn and assist with implementing and educating faculty/staff/students on new technologies in the lab, such as electric dental handpieces and digital dental technologies.

• Coordinate after hour practice sessions with students.

Lab Administrative and Supervisory Duties (10%)

• Provides direct supervision and leadership to the Lab Coordinator and pre-clinical student workers, fostering a collaborative culture.
• Facilitates the performance review process, including conducting regular 1-on-1s, monitoring performance, and addressing performance concerns.
• Hire and manage student workers; train teaching assistants and tutors. Provide direction on daily operations. Mentor students, as warranted.
• Collaborate with programs and groups using the pre-clinic. Handle complex interpersonal communication as a liaison between pre-clinic and other areas including clinics, within the School.

• Maintain precise and timely incident reporting records to support risk assessments, legal compliance, and internal audit requirements.

Restorative Sciences Administrative Duties (20%)

• Assist with ordering, invoices, POs and financial tasks

Other duties as assigned:

• Maintenance of 8South clinic.
  • Stock periodic automatic replenishment (PAR) closet and other supplies.
  • Maintain lines and traps on a weekly/monthly basis.
  • Regularly check room for leftover items and wipe sinks/counters.
• Continue professional development through attendance of courses, workshops, seminars and other meetings.
• Serve on and/or provide administrative or other support for Department, School and University-wide committees and groups, as appropriate.
• Provide backup for team members as needed and other special projects as assigned.
• Consistently align professional conduct, decision-making, and strategic priorities with the overarching mission and long-term goals of the institution, prioritizing organizational success over personal or immediate objectives.

Required Qualifications (Please detail all the required qualifications on your application):

• BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and dental work experience to equal at least 4 years.
• Experience as a dental assistant, dental hygienist, or dental therapist.
• Prior experience in a supervisory or team lead role, with demonstrated ability to oversee daily workflows and manage direct reports.
• Exceptional customer service skills and professional demeanor. Ability to interact and communicate effectively with diverse populations.
• Adept at setting priorities and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high attention to detail; excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to perform occasional, but daily, light to moderate lifting up to 50 pounds, as well as walking and standing for long periods of time.
• Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30am-4:30pm or 8:00am-5pm.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Dentistry-specific experience, including knowledge of dental instrumentation and materials.
• Experience managing a budget, purchasing and/or procuring materials and equipment.
• Experience evaluating, updating and maintaining work organization, standards and procedures.
• Proven proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google workspace, and other organizational software.
• Must be self-motivated and work well independently.

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is the state's only dental school and the only dental school in the northern tier of states between Wisconsin and the Pacific Northwest. The School of Dentistry advances health through scientific discovery, innovative education, and the highest quality care for all communities. Our impact extends beyond dental offices to classrooms and clinics throughout the region. We educate dentists, dental specialists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental educators, and research scientists.

Pay Range: $26.28 - $33.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.