Orthodontic Assistant
Req #: | 169475 |
Department: | SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY |
Job Location: | Seattle Campus |
Posting Date: | 09/12/2019 |
Closing Info: | Closes On 09/26/2019 |
Salary: | $2990-$4276 / per month |
Union Position: | Yes |
Shift: | First Shift |
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. All of which has allowed the UW to be nationally recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for five consecutive years.
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.
Duties and Responsibilities
General Clinical Assistant Responsibilities:
o Check that units are ready, stocked and clean at beginning of each clinic day.
o Turn on chair side computers and programs.
o Knowledge of orthodontic procedures and instruments; ability to accurately setup clinical units and prepare for clinical care.
o Seat patients in preparation for planned procedures, show appropriate care and concern for patients.
o Provide brief history to orthodontic resident regarding status of appliances (broken/missing) and status of oral hygiene of patient being seen.
o Review and assess patient's oral hygiene at each visit. Instruct patients and demonstrate techniques used to maintain healthy oral hygiene. Notate evaluation of oral hygiene.
o Perform clinical procedures as licensure allows:
- Remove and retie arch wires as directed by graduate orthodontic resident or instructor
- Check for loose bands and brackets.
- Ligate/tie-in arch wires.
- Obtain alginate impressions, extra- & intraoral photographs, and intraoral digital scans
- Place and remove orthodontic separators.
- Place and remove elastics (chains, rubber bands).
- Polish teeth in preparation for banding/bonding
- Remove bands and brackets (leaving adhesive)
- Assist in preparation of Bonding and Banding appointments. (Ability to isolate while bonding)
- Knowledge of Angle’s occlusal classifications and ability to give accurate elastic wear instruction.
- Ability to pass orthodontic instruments.
- Knowledge of orthodontic procedures. e.g. bracket bonding, band cementation, appliance/adhesive removal, archwire adjustment, retainer/appliance delivery.
- Effectively deliver Invisalign appliances, including bonding composite attachments.
- Experience with temporary anchorage devices, minor surgical procedures, soft tissue laser procedures.
o Retrieve and enter information as appropriate in the Electronic Dental Record.
o Knowledge of orthodontic terminology, abbreviations, and orthodontic tooth numbering system (Palmer notation).
o Use software to schedule patient appointments and recall visits as needed for patient care.
o Be responsible for proper sterilization and set-up of instruments (hand instruments, pliers, and handpieces).
o Give patient instruction and demonstrate where necessary:
- Oral hygiene
- Wearing of removable appliances
- Patient motivation and cooperation
- General appliance care
o Monitor for patient arrival during clinical hours.
o Assist in time management for graduate student appointments; show good judgement in personal work time management.
o Help in other areas of clinic operations when necessary (phones, filing study models and materials, archiving records).
o Demonstrate responsibility in inventory control: clinical supplies, patient instructional materials, etc. Assist in distribution of products, product management, and quantity control.
o Be responsible for accuracy in custom appliance delivery.
o Evaluate sterility of instruments/submit spore testing.
o Perform other tasks as assigned by Supervisor and/or Clinic Director.
o Pour and trim study models using bubble- and void-free technique, finish and polish stone models.
o Fabricate orthodontic appliances, acrylic application, other technical laboratory procedures as directed.
o Demonstrate proficiency in giving instructions on orthodontic procedures to other department staff, graduate students & residents, and other personnel.
o Expose and save radiographic images, digital scans, and other patient records.
o Ability to assist with coordination of pre-doctoral orthodontics clerkship duties as required.
o Actively participate in staff meetings.
o Maintain laundry service for clinic lab coats.
Requirements
o 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 orthodontics assistant. One year of additional dental assistant experience may substitute for required education.
o Registration with the State of Washington as a Dental Assistant.
o Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
o Good interpersonal skills to maintain effective rapport with patients, parents, doctor, other staff members and community, legible handwriting, correct grammar for intra-office communications.
o Familiarity with computers, basic knowledge of word processing, email, web browser. Ability to learn dental software and extend knowledge to emerging technology needs
o Effective verbal skills to communicate with patients and parents. Teaching ability to convey material necessary for patient education.
o Dexterity and hand coordination to perform manual tasks with patients as outlined in job responsibilities.
Desired
o Excellent customer service skills. Compassionate, self-motivated, independent, and positive attitude. Motivation to meet and exceed expectations.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except where there are legal requirements such as license/certification/registration.
BENEFITS
For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here.
Application Process
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Workforce Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready.
Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.
The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 / 206-543-6452 (tty) or dso@uw.edu.