Dental Hygienist

Job Description

The Campus Dental Center at the School of Dentistry has an outstanding opportunity for a Dental Hygienist to join the team.

About this Opportunity

Under general supervision of the Dental Clinic Manager, the Dental Hygienist performs expanded dental hygiene technical and restorative dental procedures and periodontal therapy in a dental clinic and hospital setting in conjunction with dental students, dentists and physicians.

Successful candidates for this position will have the ability to work independently and be a solid, reliable team player with a strong work ethic. The Dental Hygienist must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, resolve conflicts in a positive manner, and interact with patients, staff, faculty, and students in a professional manner. They must also be able to handle difficult situations professionally and use good judgement while upholding the policies of the University of Washington and the UW School of Dentistry.

Key Responsibilities

Procedures and Operations (80%)

• Review patient health history; conduct preliminary oral examination including periodontal charting; take intra-oral photographs; expose and process x-rays; and take vital signs.

• Perform oral prophylaxis including sub-gingival and supra-gingival scaling, root planning and soft tissue curettage, administer local anesthesia, apply fluoride treatments and sealants.

• Educate patients in oral hygiene procedures including dietary analysis; maintain patient records and recall systems.

• Administer local anesthesia (both infiltration and block anesthesia) and nitrous-oxide analgesia.

• Assist in the treatment of medically and physically compromised patients; under a dentist’s supervision implement appropriate treatment plans such as the provision of periodontal therapy in accordance with the patient’s needs

Expanded Dental Hygienist Duties (3%)

• Apply and remove rubber dams; polish amalgam restorations, crowns and supra-gingival areas; place cement base, and place amalgam matrix bands and wedges; condense and carve amalgam restorations; and adjust occlusion.

• Adapt celluloid matrices for placement of composite- resins; insert and finish composite resin restoration.

• Take impressions for diagnostic models; and retract gingival tissue prior to impression; fabricate temporary restorations.

• Adapt stainless steel crowns.

Other Clinical Duties (12%)

• Provide necessary information to the front desk for scheduling patient appointments.

• Establishing recall systems.

• Maintaining patient records.

• Maintain clinical equipment and supplies.

• Clean and sterilize equipment.

• Instruct DAs in the role of the dental hygienist in the delivery of patient care.

• Assist in patient management, data collection and analysis for research projects.

• May conduct dental education courses.

• Communicate with Clinic Manager when areas for operational improvement or ways to improve the safety of the clinical environment are observed.

Additional Duties (5%):

• Perform related duties as required.

• This position performs essential services and may be required to work during any period of declared suspended operation.

Required Qualifications

To 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 Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

• Graduation from an accredited school of dental hygiene, AND a current license to practice as a dental hygienist in the State of Washington.

• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

About the Team

At the UW Dentistry Campus Dental Center, patients receive care by highly skilled, experienced UW School of Dentistry Faculty and GPR Residents. Our experienced Dentists and Residents offer comprehensive oral care services, including sedation services in the clinic and UW Medical Center operating room, to UW students, UW employees, their families, and guests. Patients can find all dental specialties in one convenient location, on campus, at the Health Sciences Building. UW Dentistry Campus Dental Center is committed to the principle of diversity, equity, and inclusion and to providing an environment where every employee feels welcomed, valued, and appreciated.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$93,120.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$133,212.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-temporary-per-diem-and-less-than-half-time/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

40.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

SEIU Local 925 Healthcare Prof/Lab Tech

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 [email protected]. 

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.