Dental Assistant - Merritt Island (Experience Required)

COAST DENTAL•Merritt Island, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Assist the dentist in providing dental treatment, care, and education to patients. The role requires strong knowledge of clinical needs and a working knowledge of back-office dental procedures and dental administrative functions. An Expanded Duties Certificate and/or Radiography Certification must be held upon hire or obtained within 90 days after hire. The Dental Assistant supports clinical procedures, patient documentation and education, appointment scheduling and follow-up, insurance and financial discussions, operatory readiness, equipment maintenance, laboratory duties, emergency response, and office operations. The position also requires compliance with safety, infection-control, confidentiality, and company policies, as well as participation in training and office meetings.

Requirements

Active Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) certification; alternatively, for assisting in Florida, a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license or a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certificate obtained before May 2009, subject to state guidelines and limitations.
Radiography licensure.
An Expanded Duties Certificate and/or Radiography Certification upon hire or within 90 days after hire.
Excellent customer-service and verbal-communication skills.
Ability to work in a high-volume environment.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of one year of dental experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with clinical procedures and treatments and perform only duties delegated and permitted for dental assistants.
Learn and follow Coast’s administrative procedures, OSHA laws, safety guidelines, and state and federal infection-control standards.
Maintain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
Use protective barriers, disinfect and sterilize instruments and treatment areas, and properly dispose of contaminated or biohazardous materials.
Ensure patient documentation is reviewed and completed, including current medical history, medical alerts, and signed consent forms.
Document and chart dental procedures performed at each patient visit according to the dentist’s instructions and legal requirements.
Welcome and escort patients between reception and treatment areas.
Schedule appointments and assist with appointment-confirmation calls.
Provide dental education and information to support patient awareness of dental health and continuing treatment.
Present treatment plans and proposed continuing treatment professionally and confidentially.
Explain insurance benefits and financial options to patients in nonclinical terms.
Keep operatories equipped and stocked, and reorder inventory when necessary.
Follow equipment protocols, including cleaning the evacuation system, lubricating and maintaining handpieces, cleaning and maintaining radiograph processors, monitoring and cleaning equipment, and cleaning dental-lab plaster traps.
Maintain a clean office environment and notify the Office Manager of equipment failures or general safety concerns.
Assist with laboratory duties as necessary.
Recognize signs of dental emergencies and ensure a proper and timely response, including notifying patients, staff, and emergency medical personnel when necessary.
Understand and maintain production standards.
Use and maintain a patient contact system for follow-up and re-care.
Maintain a professional working environment within the office team.
Attend and participate in morning huddles and regular office meetings.
Follow company policies for uniform attire and personal hygiene.
Attend continuing-education and training seminars as scheduled.
Follow HIPAA regulations and maintain confidentiality.
Retain the applicable license or certification and demonstrate proficiency in expanded dental assistant functions within state guidelines and limitations.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.