Hospital Dentistry Assistant Specialist

Job Description

The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery has an outstanding opportunity for a Hospital Dentistry Assistant Specialist (NE S SEIU 925 Non Supv)to join our team. This is a full-time appointment.

About this Opportunity

Under the direct supervision of the Dental Clinic Supervisor, the Hospital Dentistry Assistant Specialist (HDA) performs delegated tasks. These tasks include direct patient care, technical procedures, and the preparation and monitoring of patients undergoing surgery and dental procedures in ambulatory, recovery, and clinical care settings at our Sand Point clinic – the Northwest Center for Oral and Facial Surgery - OMFS Faculty-Resident Clinic. Normal job duties will include setting up and preparing for IV sedation and general and local anesthesia patients, including their operatory, sterilization, and turning over rooms. The HDA role provides dental assistance to oral and maxillofacial residents, faculty, and affiliated surgeons. Successful candidates have at least 18 months of experience working in an oral surgery clinic, are DAANCE certified (Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination) and IV certified.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Interface: 65%

• Assist faculty surgeons and residents in chair-side, ambulatory, and recovery of IV sedation/oral sedation and clinical care settings in the treatment of medically compromised and special needs patients, and those requiring general or routine oral care.
• Maintain IV, controlled substance, non-narcotic drug inventories, specialized equipment and instrumentation, and medical and surgical supply inventories. Check emergency drugs for expiration dates.
• Under close supervision, initiate and discontinue an intravenous line for a patient being prepared to receive intravenous medication, sedation or general anesthesia. Adjust the rate of intravenous fluids infusion only to maintain or keep the line patent or open.
• Under direct supervision, draw up and prepare medication, follow instructions to deliver medication into an intravenous line upon verbal command. Adjust the rate of intravenous fluids infusion beyond a keep-open rate. Adjust an electronic device to provide medications, such as an infusion pump. Administer emergency medications to a patient in order to assist in an emergency.
• Prepare patient for surgery, including placement of sterile surgical drapes. Attach monitors, including pulse oximeter, automatic blood pressure device, and EKG. Monitor, assess, interpret, and record vital signs including pulse oximetry during IV sedation and general anesthesia and throughout the recovery period. Present and document preoperative and postoperative care instruction for general anesthesia and IV sedation patients in the hospital dentistry and oral surgery settings.
• Work up of orthognathic surgical cases, by obtaining pre-operative records including, but not limited to bite records, impressions, facebows, clinical photographs, radiographs, and etc. Present and document preoperative and postoperative care instructions for general anesthesia and IV sedation patients.
• Assist patient with wheelchair and gurney transfer. Provide nutritional guide and review dietary guidelines post-surgery. Pre-op and post-op preparation with patient and respond appropriately to questions during recovery. Provide post-surgical wound care.
• May perform other HDA related duties within scope of practice and as directed by the supervisor.

Clinic Area Management: 25%

• Clean all operatories and clinic area; and prepare treatment areas; deliver hazardous waste to proper facility. Manage patient flow and ensure availability of patient record (x-rays, satellite charts, medical records, and any clinical records) at the time of patient’s visit and/or appointment.
• Oversee clinic operations to ensure the day-to-day and cyclic requirements are met, including the management of multiple operatory chairs simultaneously.
• Implants: maintains implant inventory and equipment. Assists the surgeons with implant placement by ensuring a sterile environment. Prepares the surgical suite with the appropriate set up including handpieces and graft materials.

Training and Compliance: 10%

• Oversee and enforce aseptic and sterile protocols, by following Washington State infection control protocols and guidelines and adhere to WISHA/OSHA regulations. Ensure clinic follows current HIPAA policies regarding PHI related to IT equipment, email communication, phone or other communication, and proper handling, disposal or destruction of information and documents.
• Instruct and orient new clinic staff and new residents in the use of equipment (such as x-ray machine and other equipment devices) and monitor use and surgical case preparation.
• Articulate appropriate workplace behavior and fostering compliance, identifying concerns and/or problems, and utilizing appropriate resources to assist in resolution.
• Attend and participate required clinic trainings and complete UW and SOD regular trainings and courses.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• Current certification as a dental assistant (CDA) OR the ability to obtain same within six months.
• Three years of experience in a general dentistry and one year of experience in specialty practice (such as endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics, or hospital dentistry) or equivalent education/experience.

Legal/Licensing Requirements:

• Registered with the State of Washington as a Dental Assistant

About the Team

The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) at the UW School of Dentistry

specializes in the diagnosis, surgical treatment, and management of diseases associated with the face and jaws such as trauma, infections, disorders, and cancer associated with the face and neck. Our clinics work closely with residents acquiring their OMS certification and the school's General Practice program, giving residents unique learning experiences like extractions, implant placements, and dental anesthesia and sedation in a clinic setting. Our clinic, Northwest Center for Oral and Facial Surgery, is located at 6222 NE 74th St, Building 25, within Warren G. Magnuson Park. Our core values include compassion and respect for our patients, high moral and ethical standards, and a commitment to evidence-based and technically excellent clinical practices. In addition, whereas we serve a diverse population, we are equally committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

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.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

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.