Dental Assistant I (Full Time, Day Shift)

Job Summary
Provides access for patients and families with friendly interaction and communication. Works under the direct supervision of the Dentist in providing care to pediatric patients undergoing dental treatment, including prophylaxis (supra-gingival) cleaning. Responsible for preparing for procedures, providing supplies and instruments during procedures, and post-procedure clean-up. Performs the expanded duty functions as permitted by the Florida Board of Dentistry.

Job Specific Duties

• Takes x-rays to assure the highest degree of diagnostic information with the least amount of exposure. Follows hospital and departmental infection control policies.
• Reviews, maintains, and documents patient information in the computer thoroughly, accurately, and in a timely manner. Obtains consent from parents.
• Provides for patient safety, greets parents, and assists patients to operatory checking with parent, reading armband to identify scheduled patient before beginning any procedure.
• Checks all equipment for proper function and cleanliness. Notifies designated employee of any equipment not operating properly and needing repair.
• Assures clinic operatory supply levels are par and ensures appropriate staff are notified when master inventory levels drop to re-order status.
• Applies knowledge of growth and development in patient interactions and treatment.
• Performs designated expanded duty functions permitted by the Florida Board of Dentistry. Provides assistance with behavior and monitors patient with nitrous oxide and never leaves them unattended.
• Maintains and sterilizes dental instruments.
• Executes clear & concise education information for parents/patients. Provides parents with post- treatment, sedation & OR verbal instructions as well as written information when indicated.
• Works directly with the Pediatric Dental Attending, Residents, and other specialists in the dental clinic and operating room.
• Provides expertise with appropriate approaches to small children, children with autism, children confined to wheelchairs, and children with developmental delay.
• Ensures patient safety with papoose (when necessary) for patients unable to sit for procedures unassisted.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Expanded Duties Certification required within 12 months of hire
• American Heart Association AED - Must maintain active and in good standing throughout employment.
• Graduate of an accredited school of Dental Assisting or Expanded Duties Certified (EFDA)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• High quality skills as an expanded duties assistant.
• Ability to problem solve to adapt standard clinical procedures to the individual client's need.
• Able to relate cooperatively and constructively with patients, families, and co-workers.
• Previous experience as a Dental Assistant highly preferred.
• Ability to interpret, adapt, and react calmly under stressful conditions.
• Able to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to demonstrate evidence of clinical expertise.