Dental Assistant 2

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 59,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

University of British Columbia in Vancouver seeks a Dental Assistant 2 to support the dental school operations in a fast-paced clinic. This role includes chairside assisting, sterilization, and instrument preparation for dental students.

Reporting to Dental Assistant III or IV, you join a team focused on patient care, safety, and efficient workflow. Minimum qualifications include BC dental assistant certification and license, a high school grad with a dental assistant program, and two years of

Qualifications

• B.C. dental assistant certification and license required.
• High School graduation with dental assistant program.
• Two years of relevant experience or equivalent education/experience.

Responsibilities

• Setting up instruments and equipment for dental procedures.
• Chairside dental assisting for faculty and students.
• Disinfection and sterilization of supplies and instruments.
• Dispensing supplies to dental students.
• Preparing for and assisting during clinical demonstrations.
• Cleaning cubicles, dispensaries, and lab areas.

Skills

Attention to detail

Verbal and written communication

Teamwork and independence

Tact and discretion

Information gathering and organization

Education

B.C. dental assistant certification and license

High School graduation with dental assistant program

Job description

Staff - Union

Job Category

CUPE 116

Job Profile

CUPE 116 Salaried - Dental Assistant 2

Job Title

Dental Assistant 2

Department

Dental Clinic | Faculty of Dentistry

Compensation Range

$5,317.00 - $5,772.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

September 8, 2026

Job End Date

Ongoing

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary
This position is one of support to facilitate the operation of the dental school in a fast-paced environment. It will involve chairside assisting, but also sterilization and preparation of instruments and supplies for dental students.

Organizational Status
This position- Dental Assistant II, would report to - Dental Assistant III or IV, that reports to the Senior Clinic Manager, Resources & Operations, who reports to the Clinic Director. This position will also take direction from the Clinic Operations Administrator.

Work Performed

• Setting up instruments and equipment or dental procedures
• Assist faculty and students for chairside dental assisting
• Assisting in the dispensary with the disinfection and sterilization of supplies and instruments
• Dispensing of supplies and materials to dental students
• Preparing for and assisting during clinical demonstrations
• Cleaning cubicles, dispensaries, and lab areas

Performing other related duties as required

• Would work in the clinic and the Central Sterilization and Dispensary area.
• Work around the sink area, sterilizers and ultrasonic units.
• Lighting is good; floor is concrete, some anti-fatigue matting throughout.
• Hazards- instrument cassettes are heavy, lifting of cassettes involved, and loading and unloading of trolleys. Very hot temperatures in the sterilizers, proper mitts to be worn when unloading. Disinfection solutions are varied- phenol, glutaraldehyde, isopropyl alcohol- gloves to be worn.
• Handling of used instrument cassettes could be hazardous.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Work would be checked by a Dental Assistant III or IV. If an error occurred, possible damage to hand pieces, instruments and equipment. If incorrect decisions were made it would impact on the clinic functioning properly the next day. Proper sterilization and disinfection is vital to patient care and student curriculum requirements.

Supervision Received
Would be supervised by a Dental Assistant III or Dental Assistant IV’s.

Supervision Given
None

Minimum Qualifications

• B.C. dental assistant certification and current license is required.
• High School graduation and completion of dental assistant program. Two years of relevant experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.

Ability to work toward consensus and effectively resolve differences.

Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of clients/students/faculty/colleagues.

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.

Ability to learn new computer programs and use computers effectively.

Ability to exercise tact and discretion.

Ability to gather, record, and organize information.