Dental Assistant 1

University of Washington Medical Center•Seattle, WA

About The Position

The UW School of Dentistry (UWSOD) has an outstanding opportunity for a Dental Assistant 1 (DA1). The Office of Clinical Services (OCS) at the School of Dentistry encompasses the Patient Registration and Patient Relations offices, Simulation Clinic and Labs, Central Sterilization, two dispensaries, and facilities maintenance team. OCS supports the operations of 13 dental clinics in delivering dental care to the state’s largest and most diverse patient population. We utilize a team-oriented approach and work very hard to delight our patients. The Office of Clinical Services is committed to the principle of diversity, equity, and inclusion and to providing an environment where every employee feels welcomed, valued, and appreciated. This position is located at the main campus in the D2 and D3 student teaching clinics. Under direct supervision, the DA1 will assist Faculty or dental students in the treatment of patients; assist faculty in the instruction of dental students; prepare patients, operate equipment, sterilize instruments, mix treatment materials and assist in the performance of dental assistant duties.

Requirements

Completion of a training program for dental assistants; current certification as a dental assistant (CDA) or the ability to obtain same within six months; or six months of dental assistant experience.
Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.
Registration with the State of Washington as a Dental Assistant

Responsibilities

Seat patients, adjust chair and prepare patient for dentist; develop, mount and x-ray films.
Operate water, air and evacuating equipment.
Assist faculty and dental students in various fundamental four-handed techniques, such as correct chair positioning and coordinated placement and removal of rubber dam.
Sterilize and prepare instruments for set ups; fill, drain and clean sterilizer; prepare supplies.
Prepare and mix amalgam, composite, cement and medicaments for restorations; mix pumice for prophylaxis; prepare and mix impression materials.
Prepare anesthetic syringes
Clean and prepare treatment areas using School of Dentistry standardized infection control protocols.
Clean and maintain dental chair and equipment.
Monitor school-owned instruments for breakage and wear; assess replacement needs and maintain clinic hand pieces.
Perform chair-side four-handed dentistry with dental students in the student teaching clinics .
Change nitrous oxide and oxygen tanks weighing approx. 20-25 lbs.
Instruct patients in home care.
Keep all areas stocked, clean, orderly, and neat.
Provide excellent customer service to faculty, staff, and students.
May perform other duties of a DA1 as assigned.