CAREERS AT EASTERN

Job Title:

Dental Assistant 2 - C99122

Location:

Spokane

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Work Schedule Type:

Regular

Work Schedule:

Typically, 40 hours per week over 5 days. Mondays – Fridays, 8 AM to 5 PM. This is a 10-month position. This position is designated as fully in-person and requires onsite presence during regular business operations.

Term of Appointment:

10 Months

Job Summary:

The College of Health Science and Public Health (CHSPH) at Eastern Washington University (EWU) is currently seeking skilled and team-oriented applicants for the following position Dental Assistant 2 (DA2) position in our Dental Hygiene Department (DNHY).

The Dental Assistant 2 (DA2) position reports to the Chair of the Dental Hygiene Department and the Operations Manager.

This individual performs specialized clerical and technical duties to coordinate and provides patient support services for the Eastern Washington University Department of Dental Hygiene Clinic. This is a 10-month position. This position is designated as fully in-person and requires onsite presence during regular business operations.

The Dental Assistant 2 (DA2) position will perform patient treatment and clinic support activities. Under general supervision instruct students in proper use and maintenance of dental clinic equipment, orient new staff to clinic procedures and maintenance, assist with electronic health records and help coordinate support activities, such as patient assignments, scheduling and electronic record maintenance in a dental clinic. 

The successful candidate will join a collaborative and caring faculty and staff committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to excellence in serving the community.

EWU is committed to supporting and promoting a workforce that is welcoming to all and encourages applicants of all backgrounds to apply for this position.

The salary for this position is $43,694.52 (minimum) up to $58,754.04 (prorated for 10-months). Where the hired candidate will begin within this range is dependent on qualifications, education, experience, ands kills.

In addition to salary, the university offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance  and disability insurance and retirement. In addition, EWU offers generous vacation and sick leave accruals, 13 paid holidays per year and fringe benefits, such as tuition waiver for employees and eligible family members, discounted EWU
sports tickets, full access to our campus workout facilities at a minimum fee and free transportation through
STA buses. For additional information regarding insurance benefits please see our Benefits page:
https://inside.ewu.edu/hr/benefits-briefing/benefits/insurance/

Applications are open and accepted until the posting is closed. Screening of applications will begin on October 15, 2026.

About Eastern Washington University:

Eastern Washington University, a regional, comprehensive public university with an enrollment of over 10,000 students, is one of six state-funded four-year institutions of higher education in Washington, each governed by its own board of trustees. As the region’s polytechnic, we are recognized for our distinctive approach to hands-on learning that leads to in-demand careers. EWU’s 300-acre main campus is located in Cheney, a community of 12,000 residents 16 miles southwest of Washington’s second largest city, Spokane. Eastern also offers programs in downtown Spokane at the innovative, energy-efficient Catalyst building, the SIERR building which is a hub for research, development and advancement of health sciences. In addition, EWU programs can be found at select locations throughout the state, aligned with the needs of the community. Eastern contributes to the vitality of the region and the state through its wide array of bachelor’s and master’s degrees in over 100 fields of study, as well as applied doctorates in physical therapy and educational leadership, offering accessible pathways to career success and personal development to students of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.

Eastern Washington University has been recognized for its commitment to helping undergraduate students learn, grow and succeed by Colleges of Distinction, a nationally trusted resource guide for college-bound students. The honor recognizes Eastern as a ’26 -’27 College of Distinction (CoD), the second consecutive year it has received the national recognition.

Tribal Land Acknowledgement:

At Eastern Washington University, we are proud to recognize the land of the Spokane Tribe and other tribes that shared the land for fishing and trading. The Spokane Tribe, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Kalispel Tribe, and the Nez Perce Tribe are integral to the cultural heritage and traditional ethnological knowledge of the land.

Native American heritage is woven into the fabric of our institution, enriching our community through tribal culture, historical teachings, and tribal language, and is embraced daily by students, staff, faculty, and the Eastern Washington community.

At EWU, we are committed to reflecting on and acknowledging the historical injustices of genocide and the forced removal of tribal peoples and all our relatives. EWU recognizes and honors tribal sovereignty and government to government relationships with tribes.

From here forward, EWU will remain committed to supporting, honoring, and recognizing the Native American community and the dynamic contributions that are shared with our university.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

EWU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, age, marital status, families with children, protected veteran or military status, HIV or hepatitis C, status as a mother breastfeeding her child, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, as provided for and to the extent required by state and federal laws.

Conditions of Employment:

This position, during the course of university employment will be involved in the receipt of, or accountability for, university funds or other items of value, as well as the unsupervised access with the developmentally disabled, vulnerable adults or children under the age of 16. The offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion and passing of a background check prior to beginning employment.

All new employees must comply with EWU Immunization Policy 602-02 and provide proof of immunity or vaccination to MMR before beginning work at EWU. Waivers for the immunization requirements are available for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs.

This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees’ Collective Bargaining Agreement:

https://in.ewu.edu/hr/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/05/WFSE-EWU-CBA-Barg.-Units-1-and-2-2025-2027_2024-12-02.pdf 

After starting employment, employees will complete the required training via Canvas. The Office of Employee Belonging, Development, and Leadership will reach out to you concerning Workplace Belonging training and asynchronous New Employee Orientation.

Note: Interviews might be conducted via Zoom (camera must be enabled). If so, candidates must be able to demonstrate competence using Zoom and other technologies.

Physical Demands:

Contact Human Resources at jobs@ewu.edu to obtain a copy of the Essential Functions Analysis which will describe conditions of employment, such as physical demands.

Protective Equipment:

Level 3 mask, N95 mask (If required by CDC or WA State in the future), Shields, Fluid resistant lab jacket, Scrubs, Gloves, Safety Glasses, Scrub cap. University, local, regional and state mandates for public and personal protection should be followed as needed. If N95 becomes a requirement then a respiratory questionnaire and doctors' evaluation will be required. 

Required Qualifications:

Experience: At least two years’ experience as a dental assistant, dental receptionist, or other position involving patient contact in a dental clinic setting; preference will be given to candidates who offer:

• • More years of this experience
  • Demonstrated knowledge of dental terminology

• Certification & Registration: Must hold a current Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) or Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) certification and be registered with the Washington State Department of Health. 
• Life Support: Must hold current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. 
• Computer Skills: Proficient in MS Word with intermediate to advanced word processing skills.  Proficient in MS Excel with intermediate to advanced knowledge of spreadsheet function.
• Professionalism: Demonstrated history of maintaining a professional appearance and demeanor, with a flexible and responsive approach supportive of students, faculty, staff, and the public. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to candidates holding an EFDA certification.
• Experience with Ascend dental software
• Experience working with students in a higher education or clinical education setting and supporting student learning and success.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Special Instructions to the Applicants:
It is strongly recommended that you print a copy of these instructions and the position posting before you begin to complete the online application, as the instructions will not be viewable once you begin the application process.

Required documentation includes all of the items listed below.
1. Attach a detailed Cover Letter in which you explain how you meet each of the required minimum qualifications [and preferred qualifications, if applicable]. It is preferred that you provide that information in a bulleted list or within a table within your cover letter.
2. Attach a chronological Resume including work experience, education, and applicable certifications.
3. Complete the Online Application form and respond to the online questions.
4. References List – name, title, place of employment, address, phone number, email address, and relation to the applicant of at least 3 professional references. (Other Document #1).
5. Mission Statement Response - EWU’s mission is to provide an inclusive, equitable, and transformative learning experience, driving the pursuit of knowledge with affordable academic excellence. We are committed to serving first-generation, Pell-eligible students. How would you contribute to this mission?

Proposed Job Duties & Responsibilities

Patient Scheduling and Support Services (25%)

• Schedule new, return, and procedure appointments based on patient needs, clinical scheduling guidelines, and department requirements, including periscope activities and first-year student initial patient experiences.                                                                                                                                                   
• Complete appointment documentation, enter and maintain scheduling information in the electronic dental record system, and process canceled and rescheduled appointments.                                                                             
• Facilitate patient check-in and check-out, including verifying patient information, taking patient photographs when required, processing payments, and completing related documentation. Initiate and maintain electronic patient records, referrals, special forms, and current lists of patients seeking treatment.
• Coordinate interpreter services, facilitate patient referrals, and transfer patient records and radiographs using department-approved electronic protocols, documenting transfers in the patient chart.
• Provide students with orientation to established front-office protocols and appropriately route patient, faculty, and student messages in accordance with department procedures.

Communication and Customer Service (20%)

• Greet and assist department visitors, dental clinic patients, service personnel, vendors, prospective dental hygiene students, and current students.
• Answer and triage telephone calls, obtain information for return calls, manage patient appointment messages, and route inquiries to appropriate faculty, staff, or students.
• Communicate information regarding clinic services, appointment procedures, fee estimates, financial arrangements, insurance coverage, and billing processes.
• Respond to patient inquiries, provide directions and community resource information, and coordinate referrals or interpreter services as appropriate.
• Maintain professional telephone, email, and interpersonal communication while protecting patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and university policies

Insurance, Financial Transactions, and Revenue Support (15%)

• Verify patient eligibility and benefits for third-party payers, establish insurance plan information in dental software, and prepare and submit insurance claims.
• Process patient payments, receipts, and credit card transactions in accordance with established department procedures.
• Assist the Operations Manager with balancing daily receipts and resolving financial discrepancies, as directed.
• Communicate financial arrangements, insurance coverage, fee information, and billing procedures to patients within the scope of assigned responsibilities.
• Assist with identifying and resolving rejected claims, billing discrepancies, and patient account issues while maintaining accurate documentation and confidentiality.

Quality Assurance and Records Management (10%)

• Process and reconcile patient documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established department procedures.
• Investigate rejected charges and assist with identifying and correcting documentation, billing, or claims-related discrepancies.
• Review and maintain accurate electronic patient records, referrals, special forms, and documentation of patient record and radiograph transfers.
• Identify incomplete or inconsistent information and communicate concerns to the appropriate faculty, Operations Manager, or other authorized personnel.
• Follow established procedures for electronic record management, patient confidentiality, and secure handling of protected health information.

Electronic Health Record and Technology Support (10%)

• Provide basic training and operational support to faculty and students using electronic health record systems, dental software, and related department technology.
• Assist computer users with established login procedures, password changes, and preliminary identification of network or software problems.
• Support accurate and consistent use of electronic patient records, scheduling systems, and clinical documentation procedures.
• Contact appropriate university technology personnel to facilitate resolution of identified technical or network issues.
• Communicate recurring system concerns and assist with implementing approved solutions within the scope of assigned responsibilities.
• Follow established procedures for electronic record management, patient confidentiality, and secure handling of protected health information.

General Clerical and Department Administrative Support (10%)

• Collect, process, and distribute regular mail, fax communications, campus post office mail, and other department correspondence. 
• Develop, revise, and maintain clinic forms, department correspondence, and administrative documents using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, dental software, and other applicable computer programs.
• Assist with maintaining accurate department information, administrative records, and routine clinic documentation.
• Contact or process work orders with EWU Facilities and coordinate routine service requests as needed.
• Provide clerical and administrative support to the Department Chair and Operations Manager and perform related duties as assigned.

Electronic Health Record Support (10%)

• Provide basic training and support to students and faculty in the use of the dental hygiene electronic health record (EHR) system
• Assist with log-in procedures, passwords, system navigation, and routine EHR troubleshooting. 
• Assist students and faculty with accurate entry, retrieval, and documentation of patient and clinical information.
• Provide basic assistance to computer users such as: providing correct log-on procedures, changing user passwords, and making preliminary identification of problems encountered by network users.
• Identify and report technical or system issues requiring additional support
• Maintain confidentiality and follow applicable privacy and security requirements for electronic patient records.