UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
Specification for Class
DENTAL ASSISTANT 1
UW CODE AND REPRESENTATIVE GROUP
8470 (SEIU Local 925 Clerical Nonsupervisory)
CLASS SERIES CONCEPT
Assist dentists or dental students in dental examinations and in the treatment of patients; assist faculty in the instruction of dental students.
BASIC FUNCTION
Perform routine dental assistant duties.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
First-level class of series. Under direct supervision, prepare patients, operate equipment, sterilize instruments, mix amalgam and assist in the performance of expanded dental duties.
TYPICAL WORK
Seat patients, adjust chair and prepare patient for dentist; develop, mount and file x-ray films;
Operate water, air and evacuating equipment;
Sterilize and prepare instruments for set ups; fill, drain and clean sterilizer; prepare supplies;
Prepare and mix amalgam, composite, cement and medicaments for restorations; mix pumice for prophylaxis; prepare and mix impression materials;
Prepare anesthetic syringes;
Maintain dental records and files; maintain inventory and requisition supplies;
Clean and maintain dental chair and equipment;
Demonstrate four-handed instrument exchanges;
Assist faculty and Dental Assistants II in various fundamental four-handed techniques, such as correct chair positioning and coordinated placement and removal of rubber dam;
Instruct patients in home care;
Perform related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Completion of a training program for dental assistants; current certification as a dental assistant (CDA) or the ability to obtain same within six months; or six months of dental assistant experience
OR
equivalent education/experience.
Legal Requirement
Registration with the State of Washington as a Dental Assistant
CLASSIFICATION HISTORY
New Class: 3-07-73
Revise Class: 1-15-81
New to CSA: 8-1-01
Revise Class: 5-1-03
CSR Class Conversion (mc): 06-01-05
Revise Class: Updated Minimum Qualifications to reflect legal requirements under WAC 246-817-190. Classification revision negotiated with SEIU 925; approved 11-09-09, effective 12-01-09.