Dental Assistant 3

Job Title

Dental Assistant 3 (Maternity Leave Replacement)

Job Category

CUPE 116

Job Profile

CUPE 116 Salaried - Dental Assistant 3

Job Family Group

Staff - Union

Department

Dental Clinic | Faculty of Dentistry

Compensation Range

Job End Date

August 8, 2028

Posting End Date

November 16, 2026

Note:Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

This is a leave replacement for a fixed term duration.

Dental Assistant 3 – Graduate Orthodontics

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

Job Summary
This position will assist faculty members and graduate students at chair side.

Organizational Status
This position- Dental Assistant III, would report to a Dental Assistant IV, that reports to the Senior Clinic Manager, Resources & Operations, who reports to the Clinic Director. This position will also take direction from the Clinic Operations Administrator.

Work Performed

• Setting-up armamentarium; assisting with routine and advanced procedures in the Graduate Programs.
• Supervises and coordinates the work of lower classification level of Dental Assistants as required.

• Supervises and coordinates the work of lower classification level of Dental Assistants as required.
• To assist faculty members and graduate students at chair side. Setting up instruments and equipment for dental procedures.
• Experience in chairside dental assisting required.
• Maintaining inventory of supplies and materials. Maintain Student Instrument Accounts. Assist with student orientation. Maintain lists and photos for grad program instruments.
• Informing faculty, patients and students of existing protocols and procedures.
• Cleaning cubicles, dispensaries, and lab areas.
• Performing other related tasks as required.
• Would work in the main clinic.
• Work around sink area, sterilizers and ultrasonic units.
• Lighting is good; floor is concrete, some anti-fatigue matting throughout.
• Hazards- instrument cassettes are heavy, lifting of cassettes involved, and loading and unloading of trolleys. Very hot temperatures in the sterilizers, proper mitts to be worn when unloading. Disinfection solutions are varied- phenol, glutaraldehyde, isopropyl alcohol- gloves to be worn.
• Handling of used instrument cassettes could be hazardous.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Work would be checked by a Dental Assistant IV.

If an error occurred, possible damage to handpieces, instruments and equipment. If incorrect decisions were made it would impact on the clinic functioning properly the next day. Proper sterilization and disinfection is vital to patient care and student curriculum requirements.

Supervision Received
Would be supervised by a team of Dental Assistant IV s.

Supervision Given
Supervises Dental Assistant II’s and Tech II’s.

Minimum Qualifications
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• High School graduation and completion of B.C. Dental Assistant Certification and current license.
• 4 years relevant experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience and knowledge of orthodontic, procedures and materials.
• Completion of the orthodontic module as offered by UBC continuing Dental Education.
• Supervisory experience required.
• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft office at a basic level. Outlook. MS Word, MS Excel.
• Ability to identify and respond to contentious or sensitive issues with discretion.