Dental Assistant 2

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

About The Position

The School of Dentistry has an outstanding opportunity for a Dental Assistant 2 to join their team. The Department of Restorative Dentistry at the School of Dentistry is the largest teaching department encompassing 60% of the pre-doctoral curriculum. The Department strives for teaching excellence in the areas of Dental Material Sciences, Operative Dentistry, Occlusion, Dental Anatomy, Implant Dentistry, and Removable and Fixed Prosthodontics. The Department also has an internationally recognized Graduate Prosthodontics Program offering an MSD and certificate in Prosthodontics. We are a vibrant academic department working collaboratively to support the teaching mission of the School as well as the current SOD Strategic Plan: Advancing Oral Health for All. We are also committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environments for all students, staff, and faculty. The Department of Restorative Dentistry has an outstanding opportunity for a Dental Assistant 2 (DA2) in the Graduate Prosthodontics Clinic. The DA2 performs delegated tasks under the direct supervision of the Clinic Supervisor and also reports to the Director of the Graduate Prosthodontics Program. This position is responsible for ensuring the Graduate Prosthodontics Clinic is fully prepared to receive patients for evaluation and treatment. The DA2 supports Graduate Prosthodontic residents and faculty during patient care and assists with activities that facilitate the educational goals and requirements of the residency program. The assistant is expected to comply with all UW School of Dentistry policies and regulations related to health and safety, HIPAA, OSHA, and WISHA.

Requirements

Completion of an accredited training program for dental assistants
current certification as a dental assistant (CDA) OR the ability to obtain same within six months
two years of experience as a dental assistant.
One year of additional dental assistant experience may substitute for required education.
Registration with the State of Washington as a Dental Assistant

Responsibilities

Ensure the overall welfare and readiness of the Graduate Prosthodontics Clinic for patient care.
Maintain a working knowledge of equipment and materials used for fixed, removable, and implant prosthodontics.
Be prepared to assist residents with all activities related to patient treatment.
Demonstrate and perform four-handed chairside assisting techniques with residents, including: Operating water, air, and evacuation systems Assisting with cheek retraction for dental photography Mixing cements, alginate, amalgam, and denture resins Dispensing various types of impression materials
Execute the daily operational duties necessary to support a busy dental clinic, including: Cleaning operatories after each patient and preparing rooms for the next appointment Performing sterilization and cleaning of instruments and surfaces Operating and maintaining sterilization equipment, including daily cleaning of ultrasonic cleaner and autoclave. Cleaning and maintaining sinks, soap dispensers, and towel supplies Running weekly Steri‑strips in the autoclave Cleaning rim‑lock impression trays weekly Sorting, sending, and putting away laundry weekly
Provide patients with appropriate home‑care instructions.
Check and restock first aid and emergency kits.
Assist with front desk tasks when needed, including answering phones, taking messages, using the copier/scanner, and checking in patients.
Contact referred patients, schedule screening appointments, and support residents with related tasks.
Order supplies, restock, and rotate inventory in the dispensary, sterilization room, and clinic areas.
Serve as a backup cashier.