Expanded Function Dental Assistant

The Expanded Function Dental Assistants are responsible for providing hands-on support to Dentists and completing prep work so they can more efficiently care for patients.

At Premier Community Healthcare our Dental Assistant duties include providing advanced chairside assistance during restorative procedures with a knowledge of tooth nomenclature (amalgam, composite fillings) & oral surgeries. Also, includes taking x-rays, tray set-ups, instrument sterilization, patient referrals, patient education, documentation, and providing excellent service to patients.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with the dentist for the coordination of quality dental care to the clinic's patients.
• Establish reason for visit and instruct patient on preparation for dentist's examination.
• Stock and prepare operatory according to Standard Operating Procedures.
• Assist with various prosthetic and restorative procedures to include impressions, evacuation, retraction, cementation, and homeostasis.
• Assist with mixing various types of materials; dispense, set-up.
• Obtain appropriate x-rays and digital scans following safety protocols.
• Assure completion of Patient Consent forms prior to start of procedure.
• Track lab cases and processes paperwork for accounting.
• Review patient charts for completeness, as well as order processing for referrals, x-rays, etc.
• Inform scheduled patients of any delays due to unforeseen delays, emergencies, and schedule backup.
• Assist chair side during administration of nitrous oxide.
• Provide education and counsel in oral hygiene for patients in the clinic and Mobile Unit school-based programs.
• Assists in implementing and monitoring the patient infection control program for the clinic, including ensuring the integrity of sterile packaging, sterilizing instruments/equipment, and cleaning autoclaves and operatories.

• Ensure confidentiality and HIPAA compliance at all times.
• Keep other care team members informed when situations occur that disrupt timely patient flow through site.
• Contribute to community give back initiatives and be an advocate for Premier’s mission
• Adhere to patient care needs and the core values of Premier Community HealthCare to a provide best-in-class patient experience.
• Work towards attaining department goals and drive Quality Improvement / Quality Assurance (QI/QA).
• Other duties as assigned.

Certified to monitor Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Analgesia:

• Monitors nitrous oxide inhalation analgesia under the direct supervision of a dentist who is permitted by rule to use general anesthesia, conscious sedation, pediatric conscious sedation, or nitrous-oxide inhalation analgesia, while rendering dental services allowed by Chapter 466, F.S., and under the following conditions:
  • Satisfactory completion of no less than a two-day course of training as described in the American Dental Association’s “Guidelines for Teaching and Comprehensive Control of Pain and Anxiety in Dentistry” or its equivalent; and
  • Maintenance of competency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation evidenced by certification in an American Heart Association or American Red Cross or equivalent Agency sponsored cardiopulmonary resuscitation course at the bases life support level to include one man CPR, or two-man CPR, infant resuscitation, and obstructed airway, with a periodic update not to exceed two years.

Supervisory responsibilities: None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic understanding of dental/ medical terminology and documentation in an EMR system.
• Knowledge of dental procedures requiring pre-authorizations and referrals.
• Ability to use basic mathematical skills.
• Able to perform repetitive tasks.
• Maintains a professional relationship and positive attitude with co-workers, patients, the entire organization, and the public.

• Maintains the highest professional work ethics.
• Displays enthusiasm toward the work, mission, and vision of the organization.
• Exceptional customer service skills and demonstration of empathy and compassion to a diverse patient population.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing with multiple levels within the organization.
• Excellent grammar, spelling and interpersonal skills.

• Exhibits honesty and ethical conduct, maintaining confidentiality and upholding Premier Community HealthCare's values in all interactions.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
• Certification as an Expanded Function Dental Assistant in the State of Florida.
• Graduate of a Dental Assisting program accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation or a course or program approved by the Florida Board of Dentistry for the purpose of providing expanded duty training.
• Certification to monitor Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Analgesia preferred.
• Current BLS certificate.
• Obtain and maintain Epic certification/ annual compliance training throughout employment.

Working conditions and physical requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Ability to lift 20 lbs. regularly and 30 lbs.-50 lbs. occasionally.
2. Ability to sit for long periods of time.
3. Direct exposure to computer screen.
4. May be exposed to contagious/infectious diseases.