Dental Sterilization Float (Dental Assistant 2)

FHLB Des Moines; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Washington School of Dentistry is seeking a Dental Assistant 2 to manage sterilization for main and satellite clinics and support teaching clinics.

The role requires CDA certification (or eligibility within six months) and at least two years of dental assistant experience, with the possibility of occasional chairside support in teaching settings. Strong infection control and customer service are essential.

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 a dental assistant.
• Legal requirement: Registration with the State of Washington as a Dental Assistant.

Responsibilities

• Oversee sterilization cycles for all School clinics, including debride, wrap, and sterilize items.
• Operate autoclaves, washers, and sterilization equipment; conduct biological testing.
• Maintain logs for hand pieces, cassettes, bur, impression trays, and spore testing.
• Coordinate instrument pick-up and delivery using instrument ordering software.
• Provide excellent customer service to faculty, staff, and students.
• Back-up chairside assisting in teaching clinics and dispensaries as needed.

Skills

Infection control

Quality checks

Customer service

Detail oriented

Education

CDA certification or eligible within 6 months

Tools

Scanning software

Instrument ordering software

Autoclave software (logs)

Job description

Job DescriptionThe School of Dentistry has an outstanding opportunity for a Dental Assistant 2 to join their team.About this OpportunityReporting to the Clinic Manager, the person in this position will be primarily based at Main Sterilization in the Health Sciences building on the main UW campus and will float as needed to the Magnuson Sterilization location, which is located our Sandpoint facility and houses the Center for Pediatric Dentistry, Northwest Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Dental Faculty Practice.The Dental Assistant – Sterilization Float may be asked to occasionally float in the D2 and D3 pre-doctoral teaching clinics and dispensaries, Dental Urgent Care, and Oral & maxillofacial Radiology Clinics or other clinics within the UW School of Dentistry such as the Welcome Clinic, DCOD (Dental Education in the Care of Person with Disabilities), Endodontics, Oral Medicine, Orthodontics, Pediatric, Graduate Periodontics, Graduate Prosthodontics, and the UW Dentistry Campus Dental Center.)Key ResponsibilitiesMain Campus Sterilization (45%)Conduct entire sterilization cycle for all School clinics; debride, perform quality checks, replace instruments as necessary, wrap and sterilize items, following pre-sterilization and sterilization protocols.Utilize scanning software system to monitor the distribution and flow of instruments, hand pieces, and other patient care items to maintain strict infection control protocols.Operate autoclaves, washers, and other sterilization equipment; conduct biological testing of equipment.Maintain hand piece, cassette, bur, impression tray, and spore testing logs; Notify parties of discrepancies and report any ongoing problems to Manager.Store sterile and disinfected set-ups in preparation for delivery to clinics and students.Using the instrument ordering software, coordinate the pick-up and delivery of instruments to clinics.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.Keep all areas clean, orderly, and neat.Perform related duties as assigned.Sandpoint Sterilization, Sandpoint Campus: (45%)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. 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 sterilization training program administered by the School of Dentistry.Conduct infection control protocols in compliance with OSHA & SOD infection control regulations.Perform additional sterilization duties as assigned.Occasional back-up Chairside Assisting responsibilities include (5%)Perform chairside four-handed dentistry with dental students in the Student Teaching clinics.Obtain and prepare dental materials, such as impression material, composite, bonding agents, and disposables needed for patient care.Perform expanded functions to include taking impressions for study models, place and remove rubber dam, matrix, and wedge, expose radiographs, perform Coronal polish, chart clinical findings, and other delegable duties as specified by law.Aid dental students, residents and/or faculty in four-handed dentistry and in routine chair-side duties and patient care.Clean and prepare treatment areas using School of Dentistry standardized infection control protocols.Conduct inventories and stock supplies.Monitor school-owned instruments for breakage and wear; assess replacement needs and maintain clinic hand pieces.Suggest process improvements to leadership.Participate in dental student clinic orientations and limited classroom activities related to the dental team; may participate in orientation and training of new staff members.Perform related dental assistant duties as assigned.Occasional back-up Dispensary Responsibilities include (5%)Using scanning software, check equipment in and out, including cameras, cavitrons, light cure units, nitrous tanks and other items for students.Monitor daily reports of items checked out by students, email students with delinquent items.Manage daily stocking of dispensary supplies, clinic supply bins, disposables, and barrier control items.Dispense anesthetic, antibiotics, fluoride, and dental materials per UWSOD policy and protocol.Collect, scan and bag soiled items in preparation for sterilization.Collect receivable orders from Central Purchasing and distribute items.Reconcile monthly statements from Central Purchasing.Perform related duties as assigned.Required QualificationsTo 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 QualificationsApplicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.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 a 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.Legal RequirementRegistration with the State of Washington as a Dental AssistantAbout the TeamThe Office of Clinical Services (OCS) at the School of Dentistry encompasses the Patient Registration Patient Intake, and Patient Relations offices, Simulation Clinic and Labs, Central Sterilization, and two dispensaries. 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 DetailsPay Range Minimum:$45,060.00 annualPay Range Maximum:$60,672.00 annualOther 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 positionFTE (Full-Time Equivalent):100.00%Union/Bargaining Unit:SEIU Local 925 NonsupervisoryAbout the UWWorking 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 CommitmentThe 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 [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 .