Dental Clinic Supervisor 1 - Sterilization

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The Office of Clinical Services (OCS) at the School of Dentistry encompasses the Patient Registration and Patient Relations offices, Simulation Clinic and Labs, Central Sterilization, two dispensaries, and facilities maintenance team. OCS supports the operations of 13 dental clinics in delivering dental care to the state's largest and most diverse patient population.

We utilize a team-oriented approach and work very hard to delight our patients. The Office of Clinical Services is committed to the principle of diversity, equity, and inclusion and to providing an environment where every employee feels welcomed, valued, and appreciated.

The UW School of Dentistry (UWSOD) has an outstanding opportunity for a Dental Clinic Supervisor 1 (NE S SEIU 925 Supv) (Dental Clinic Supervisor - Sterilization). This position supervises sterilization operations at the SOD UW Magnuson location (the Center for Pediatric Dentistry, and Northwest Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) supporting the sterilization services for 20,000+ patient visits annually. Under the direction of the OCS Clinic Manager, the person in this position supervises sterilization dental assistants and oversees the waste management of biohazard materials.

This role organizes daily staff assignments ensuring the flow of sterile instruments; sufficient equipment and related resources are supplied for clinic operations at Magnuson. This includes identifying and implementing workflow processes to ensure optimal utilization of washers and autoclaves based on tracking patient volumes, managing Central Processing sterilization workflows, revising procedures with input from the leadership, and training the sterilization staff to ensure compliance with OSHA & SOD infection control regulations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Duties (80%) - Supervise staff assigned to the sterilization unit to include:

Supervise operation of the department sterilization unit; ensure adequate instruments and equipment are available for all clinics on a daily basis.

Meet with the staff daily for morning 'huddle' to discuss daily operational needs and important information.

Determine staff assignments based upon evaluation of needs in the Magnuson or main campus clinics; develop work schedules and organize staff responsibilities.

Monitor the clinic schedules and be aware of procedures occurring in the clinic; verify students have assistance during critical procedures and as needed to ensure proper patient care.

Remain in constant communication with the Clinic Manager to update and collaborate regarding all clinic areas.

Work with Clinic Manager to resolve, review concerns, and resolve issues in a timely manner.

Serve as a designated back up for the unit when additional resources are needed; perform all duties within the sterilization unit as needed.

Provide supervision of the UWSOD main campus sterilization as directed by the Health & Safety Manager.

Troubleshoot dental equipment issues and report issues that need follow up with Dental Maintenance via service protocols listed on the School's Dental Maintenance webpage.

Work with equipment vendor or Dental Maintenance on repair of any sterilization equipment issue or facility problem.

Coordinate periodic equipment maintenance with Dental Maintenance.

Ensure adequate instruments and equipment are available for all clinics on a daily basis.

Evaluate requests for equipment and supplies.

Make purchase recommendations, prepare cost estimates, and coordinate with vendors and SOD Purchasing for procurement and repairs.

Manage inventory and instruments used in dental clinics.

Manage biohazard waste disposal systems.

Administer the biological monitoring of autoclaves and instrument tracking systems.

Develop and coordinate the implementation of standardized procedures for use in clinics; review and update clinic procedures and assure compliance.

Participate in ongoing process improvement projects to enhance patient care.

Conduct Interviewing and recommend hiring of Sterilization staff.

Ensure that all new employees receive an orientation in the use of sterilization and processing equipment, health and personal safety workplace protocols, emergency evacuation plans and routes; and resources for further information or reporting.

Articulate appropriate workplace behavior and foster compliance, identify concerns and/or

problems, and utilize appropriate resources to assist in resolution.

Handle staff leave requests.

Identify training needs for the unit; develop and implement ongoing in-service training programs for dental assistants and arrange for in-service training.

Conduct annual reviews for Sterilization staff.

provide/receive feedback to improve staff and organizational performance.

Accurately determine sterilization usage by each clinic using the fee per use model.

Secondary Duties (20%):

Serve as an exposure counselor for blood borne exposures for the Magnuson location.

Participate in ongoing lean and other process improvement projects to enhance patient care.

Maintain and regularly update the sterilization "Standard Operating Procedures" guide, including revisions generated from changes made for process improvements or other reasons.

Perform relates duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Four years of experience as a dental assistant or supervisor in a general practice or dental school clinic, or equivalent, to include at least one year of experience supervising dental assistants. Completion of an accredited dental assistant training program AND current certification as a dental assistant (CDA) or the ability to obtain same within six months.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Legal Requirement

Registration with the State of Washington as a Dental Assistant.