Dental Assistant 1

UW CODE AND REPRESENTATIVE GROUP

18470 (NE S SEIU 925 Non Supv)
22630 (NE H NI SEIU 925 Non Supv)

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

equivalent education/experience.

Legal Requirement

Registration with the State of Washington as a Dental Assistant

CLASSIFICATION HISTORY

03/07/1973: New Class
01/15/1981: Revise Class
08/01/2001: New to CSA
05/01/2003: Revise Class
06/01/2005: CSR Class Conversion
11/09/2009: 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.