Positions in this class are registered 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 to amalgam restoration; 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 bridge work; performs mechanical polishing to amalgam restorations, clinical crowns and supragingival areas; places matrixes and wedges; removes excess cement; fabricates, places and removes temporary crowns or temporary bridges; places temporary fillings; exposes and processes dental x-ray film; 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; 

Assists in the treatment of developmentally disabled patients and/or patients admitted through the emergency room; visits patients in the hospital to record and make entries in the chart regarding these contacts; 

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

Makes impressions for study models and opposing models for bridgework; 

Instructs students in the appropriate role of dental assistants in the delivery of patient care; assists in various four-handed techniques such as anesthetic administration, instrument grasps and transfer, and place resin sealants on 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 dental X‑ray; dental charting; types of sterilization and sterile techniques; record keeping. 

Ability to:  operate dental X‑ray unit; perform expanded dental duties; develop, mount, and file films and plates; make impression material for dentures and partial plates; polish and clean dentures; follow written and oral instructions; stand for long periods of time.

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. 

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.