Positions in this class are registered with the Washington State Department of Health and work under the close supervision (as defined in WAC 246-817-510) of a dentist. Positions assist dentists in the treatment of patients and perform duties such as taking impressions for study models; mechanical polishing of restorations; placing matrix and wedge; placing temporary fillings; and fabricating, placing, and removing temporary crowns or temporary bridges.

Takes impressions for study models and opposing models for prosthetics (fixed and removeable); performs mechanical polishing of restorations and clinical crowns; places matrixes and wedges;

Places rubber dams; removes excess cement; fabricates, places and removes temporary crowns or temporary bridges; places temporary fillings; exposes and accurately labels digital radiographs;

Gives fluoride treatments; teaches oral hygiene; removes dry socket dressing and periodontal pack, removes sutures; packs and medicates extraction areas; delivers a sedative drug capsule to patient; assists in the administration of nitrous-oxide analgesia; places retraction cord; selects denture shade and mold; performs acid etch and applies sealants; applies rubber band separations for orthodontic treatment; places cotton rolls and holders;

Takes and records vital signs such as pulse, blood pressure and temperature, and reviews health history with patients; charts and flosses;

Assists in various four-handed techniques during anesthetic administration, instrument grasps and transfer, surgical procedures and placement of restorations in teeth;

Coordinates support activities such as patient assignments, scheduling, and record maintenance in a dental clinic;

Orders and maintains inventory of supplies, collects payments and issues receipts, and records research data;

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge of: Dental routine, terms, instruments, materials, and procedures; techniques of exposing orienting and labeling dental X ray; dental charting; types of sterilization and sterile techniques; record keeping.

Ability to: Operate dental X ray unit; take preliminary impressions for complete and partial dentures; polish and clean dentures; follow written and oral instructions.

In accordance with RCW 18.260.020, positions must be registered by the commission (Washington State Dental Quality Assurance Commission).

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Two years of experience as a dental assistant or equivalent education/experience.

New class, consolidates 6471 Dental Assistant II and 54110 Dental Assistant 2; adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.
Revise Title (formerly Dental Assistant 2) and Definition, delete Distinguishing Characteristics; adopted August 11, 2011, effective August 12, 2011.
General revisions to Typical Work, Legal Requirements, and Desirable Qualifications August 12, 2011.
Class plan maintenance to class title, definition, typical work and legal requirements; effective July 1, 2023.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.