Dental Assistant 2 (Sessional - 9 months)

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Vancouver is seeking a Dental Assistant II to support the dental clinic operations. Responsibilities include chairside assisting, preparation and sterilization of instruments, and support during clinical demonstrations. Candidates must be certified dental assistants with relevant experience, demonstrating effective communication and teamwork skills. This role is essential for maintaining a smooth operation in a fast-paced dental environment.

Benefits

Diverse workplace environment

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Completion of at least two years of relevant experience or equivalent education.
• IV sedation certificate required, willingness to obtain CDAAC sedation certificate.
• Proficient in taking panoramic and cephalometric X-rays.

Responsibilities

• Assist in disinfection and sterilization of supplies.
• Dispense materials to dental students.
• Prepare and assist during clinical demonstrations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Ability to work independently

Computer proficiency

Education

B.C. dental assistant certification and current license

High School graduation and dental assistant program completion

Job description

Job Title: Dental Assistant 2 (Sessional - 9 months)

Department: Dental Clinic | Faculty of Dentistry

Compensation Range: $5,012.00 - $5,441.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date: December 18, 2025

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

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

• 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
• Perform four handed dentistry with restoration with children is required.
• Completion of the orthodontic module as offered by UBC Continuing Dental Education is required.
• IV sedation certificate required. Must hold, or be willing to obtain the CDAAC sedation certificate.
• Ability to use active restraint for children if urgently needed.
• Proficient in taking Panoramic, Ceph and processing X-rays.
• 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.
• Performing other related duties as required.
• Would work in the clinic and the Central Sterilization and Dispensary area when the Graduate Orthodontics and Pedodontics clinics are not in session.
• 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 are 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.

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.