Job Description

The School of Dentistry has an outstanding opportunity for a Dental Assistant 1 to join their team.  
 

About this Opportunity

Reporting to Dental Clinic Supervisor, the Dental Assistant 1 is responsible for using washers and autoclaves to ensure that sterile instruments, equipment, and related resources are available in sufficient quantities for clinic operation.

This position will work in a variety of different clinical settings, including Advanced General Dentistry, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and the Center for Pediatric Dentistry on Sand Point. 

Key Responsibilities

• Check instruments and cassettes in and out, keeping detailed records of all assets.

• Maintain and operate autoclaves and sterilization equipment; disinfect items and follow pre-sterilization and sterilization-established protocol.  Duties include scrubbing, ultrasonic operation, drying, sorting, resetting, packaging and labeling instrument setups. 

• Assemble dental instrument packs.

• Store sterile and disinfected set-ups in preparation for delivery to clinics and providers. 

• Coordinate the pick-up and delivery of student and school-owned instruments. 

• Monitor school-owned instruments for breakage and wear; assess replacement needs. 

• Maintain the daily log of school-owned instruments and equipment checked in and out to students, staff and faculty on a daily basis.  Notify parties when items are missing. 

• Monitor and maintain hand pieces sterilization log.  

• Perform weekly spore testing on autoclaves and other sterilizers. 

• Keep all areas clean, orderly, and neat. 

• Provide excellent customer service to faculty, staff, and students. 

• Verify correct sterilization cycles. 

• Perform basic calculations related to verifying sterilizer functions and inventory control. 

• Inspect, assemble, package, label and date instruments and cassettes. 

• Enter inventory data using a computer terminal or a manual method. 

• Place orders as necessary.

• Complete directly supervised sterilization training program administered by the School of Dentistry. 

• Check in dirty instruments, logging hand pieces in and out, filling instrument request orders and delivering instruments to clinics. 

• Conduct infection control protocols in compliance with OSHA & SOD infection control regulations.

• Perform additional sterilization duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

• 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.

Licensure Requirement

Registration with the State of Washington as a Dental Assistant

About the Team

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 providing an environment where every employee feels welcomed, valued, and appreciated.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.