Dental Assistant 2

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Washington's Department of Orthodontics seeks a Dental Assistant 2 to support graduate residents and faculty in a fast-paced clinical setting in Seattle. Reporting to the clinic manager, the role covers patient care, records handling, infection control, instrument processing, and collaboration during orthodontic procedures, with a focus on ensuring safety and comfort.

This full-time, SEIU 925 represented position requires WA Dental Assistant registration and CDA certification

Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited training program for dental assistants.
• Current certification as a dental assistant (CDA) OR ability to obtain within six months.
• Two years of experience as an orthodontic dental assistant; one year may substitute for education.

Responsibilities

• Clinical patient care and orthodontic procedures including seating patients and documenting care.
• Maintain patient records and imaging and schedule appointments.
• Infection control, instrument sterilization, inventory, and clinic readiness.
• Support orthodontic lab work and appliance delivery as directed.
• Assist with general clinic operations and team communication.

Skills

Dental assistant experience

Orthodontic procedures

Patient care

Education

Accredited dental assisting program

CDA certification or ability to obtain within 6 months

Job description

No Telework

Seattle, WA

Full time

Job Description

The UW Department of Orthodontics has an outstanding opportunity for Dental Assistant 2 to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the clinic manager, the Dental Assistant 2 assists graduate orthodontic residents and faculty in clinical treatment of patients.

This is a full-time contract classified position, which is represented by SEIU 925. Visit the Labor Relations website at hr.uw.edu/labor/ for information and to find the current collective bargaining agreement.

This position is overtime eligible.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Patient Care & Orthodontic Procedures (30%)

• Seat and prepare patients for planned procedures, demonstrating appropriate care and concern, and communicate relevant appliance and oral hygiene status to the orthodontic resident.
• Assess and document patients’ oral hygiene and provide instruction and demonstration on oral hygiene techniques, removable appliance wear, elastic wear, appliance care, and patient cooperation.
• Perform orthodontic clinical procedures as permitted by licensure and as directed by the graduate orthodontic resident or instructor, including:
• Remove and retie arch wires.
• Check for loose bands and brackets.
• Ligate/tie-in arch wires.
• Place and remove orthodontic separators.
• Place and remove elastomeric chains.
• Polish teeth in preparation for banding and bonding.
• Remove bands and brackets, leaving adhesive as appropriate.
• Assist with bonding and banding procedures, including proper isolation.
• Pass orthodontic instruments and provide chairside assistance during procedures.
• Deliver orthodontic appliances accurately, including Invisalign appliances and composite attachments, and provide appropriate patient instructions.

Patient Records, Imaging, Scheduling & Clinic Coordination (20%)

• Retrieve, enter, update, and maintain appropriate patient information in the electronic dental record.
• Obtain, expose, and save required patient records and diagnostic materials, including radiographic images, intraoral and extraoral photographs, digital scans, and alginate impressions.
• Use appropriate software to schedule patient appointments and recall visits as needed for patient care.
• Monitor patient arrivals and assist with patient flow during clinical hours.
• Assist with time management and coordination of graduate student appointments while effectively managing assigned responsibilities.
• Assist with coordination of pre-doctoral orthodontics clerkship activities as required.

Clinic Preparation, Infection Control & Inventory (30%)

• Ensure clinical units are clean, stocked, organized, and ready for patient care at the beginning of each clinic day, including starting chairside computers and required programs.
• Properly sterilize, prepare, and set up clinical instruments and equipment, including hand instruments, pliers, and handpieces.
• Monitor and evaluate instrument sterilization and complete required spore testing.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels of clinical supplies, patient instructional materials, and other products; assist with product distribution, management, and quantity control.
• Maintain laundry service for clinic lab coats and support general clinic cleanliness and readiness.

Orthodontic Laboratory & Appliance Support (10%)

• Pour, trim, finish, and polish study models using techniques that produce bubble- and void-free models.
• Fabricate orthodontic appliances, perform acrylic application, and complete other technical laboratory procedures as directed.
• Organize, file, and maintain study models, laboratory materials, appliances, and related records as required.

Departmental, Educational & General Clinic Support (10%)

• Provide instruction and guidance on orthodontic procedures to department staff, graduate students, residents, and other personnel as appropriate.
• Assist with general clinic operations as needed, including telephone coverage, filing, archiving records, and other administrative or operational duties.
• Actively participate in staff meetings and contribute to effective communication and coordination within the clinic.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Supervisor and/or Clinic Director.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Completion of an accredited training program for dental assistants; AND current certification as a dental assistant (CDA) OR the ability to obtain same within six months; PLUS two years of experience as an Orthodontic dental assistant. One year of additional dental assistant experience may substitute for required education.
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of orthodontic terminology, procedures, Angle’s occlusal classifications, and orthodontic tooth numbering systems (Palmer notation);
• Experience with temporary anchorage devices (TADs), minor surgical procedures, and soft tissue laser procedures is preferred.

Legal Requirement

• Registration with the State of Washington as a Dental Assistant

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in a clinical dental office with frequent patient contact. The position involves assisting with orthodontic procedures, preparing and sterilizing instruments, maintaining infection-control standards, and spending extended periods of standing and/or sitting. The environment can be fast-paced and requires careful attention to safety and patient comfort.

About the Team:

The Department of Orthodontics at the School of Dentistry is one of the premier clinical training programs for orthodontists in the country. We provide excellent clinical care in our busy clinics with predoctoral students, graduate students, and faculty providers. It is important to us that all of our employees feel valued, respected and included. Thus, we are very committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This collaborative style helps us to utilize a team-oriented approach as we work together to accommodate our patients’ needs.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$45,060.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$60,672.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

SEIU Local 925 Nonsupervisory

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 (https://policy.uw.edu/directory/po/executive-orders/eo-81-prohibiting-discrimination-harassment-and-sexual-misconduct/).

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail] .

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 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28B.112.080) .

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.