DENTAL HYGIENIST (HOURLY/TEMPORARY)

The University of Washington (UW) is proud to be one of the nation’s premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service. Our staff not only enjoys outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities, but also an environment noted for diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

At the University of Washington, diversity is integral to excellence. We value and honor diverse experiences and perspectives, strive to create welcoming and respectful learning environments, and promote access, opportunity and justice for all.

The UW School of Dentistry has an outstanding opportunity for a Dental Hygienist at our UW Dentistry Campus Dental Center.  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.

Desirable candidates for this position must have the ability to work independently and be a reliable team player with a strong work ethic. The Dental Hygienist must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, resolve conflict in a positive manner, and interact with patients, staff, faculty, and students on a professional level at all times. They must also be able to handle difficult situations professionally and use good judgement while upholding the policies of the University of Washington and UW School of Dentistry (UWSOD). The Dental Hygienist reports to the Dental Clinic Manager and/or the Clinic Director. The Dental Hygienist is expected to communicate with their supervisor when they see areas for operational improvement or ways to improve the safety of the clinical environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Perform expanded dental hygiene duties in UW Dentistry Campus Dental Center

Distinguishing Characteristics:
Under general supervision of the UW Dentistry Campus Dental Center Periodontists, Prosthodontists, Endodontists, and Restorative Providers, perform expanded dental hygiene technical and restorative dental procedures and periodontal therapy.

Typical Work:
• Hygienists in the UW Dentistry Campus Dental Center perform primary dental hygiene duties including: review patient health history and enter information in the patient's electronic health record; conduct preliminary oral examination including periodontal charting using the electronic health record; expose and process digital images; take vital signs at each appointment; perform oral prophylaxis including sub-gingival and supra-gingival scaling, root planing and soft tissue curettage, clean and maintain implants and implant supported prosthesis;  apply topical and varnish fluoride and treatments and sealants; deliver and educate patients in oral hygiene procedures including dietary analysis; may assists in maintaining patient records and recall systems;
• Perform expanded dental hygienist duties including: administer local anesthesia (both infiltration and block anesthesia) and nitrous-oxide analgesia; apply and remove rubber dams; polish amalgam restorations, crowns and supra-gingival areas; place cement base, place amalgam matrix bands and wedges; condense and carve amalgam restorations; adjust occlusion; adapt celluloid matrices for placement of composite- resins; insert and finish composite resin restoration; take impressions for diagnostic models; retract gingival tissue prior to impression; fabricate temporary restorations; adapt stainless steel crowns and perform other duties as provided by the State of Washington's dental laws; may assist practice staff in scheduling patient appointments, hygiene recall system, and maintaining patient electronic health records;
• 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;
• May assist in maintaining clinic hygiene equipment and supplies; clean and sterilize hygiene instruments and equipment;
• May assist in patient management, data collection and analysis for UW Dentistry Campus Dental Center Provider research projects;
• May conduct dental education courses;
• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:
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/experience may substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration. 

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 Work 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.