DENTAL ASSISTANT - 64043712 1

State of Florida • Ocala, FL

8d • $38,136 - $40,043 • Onsite

About The Position

This position requires a highly motivated individual with strong multitasking abilities and a commitment to providing exceptional customer service. The incumbent is responsible for reviewing referrals, scheduling clients in accordance with established clinic protocols, and conducting medical history interviews for clients to ensure complete and accurate documentation. Duties include coordinating communication with referring entities, utilizing the Eaglesoft electronic dental record system and the State health record system, and tracking referrals and pre‑authorizations to support continuity of care. The position performs data entry in compliance with Fiscal and Dental Clinic Supervisor requirements and maintains strict security and confidentiality of all patient records and computerized information. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Dental Supervisor, in coordination with dental assistants and dentists, to support the delivery of high‑quality clinical services.

Requirements

• Must have a certified dental assistant degree from the State of Florida.
• Must be able to recruit volunteers and interact with hospital staff, dental staff in a professional manner.
• Must maintain an active CPR card.
• Must have a working knowledge of standard dental procedures, techniques and material used in the dental clinic.
• Must have a working knowledge of OSHA standards, dental infection control and hazardous dental materials.
• Must have a positive, helpful attitude toward dental director, dentist, students, other staff, patients and their families.
• Must be able to work in a neat and organized manner.
• Must be able to follow directions given by dental supervisor.
• Must be able to prioritize and organize job duties.
• Must be able to work well with others, including completing necessary work.
• Must be able to work in a busy clinic.
• Must be able to work independently and interdependently.
• Must be able to work with, including teaching and demonstrating, students as directed by the dentist.
• Must be able to explain directions and answer appropriate questions clearly and concisely.
• Must be able to complete basic operation on the computer and be able to learn programs necessary for the dental clinic.
• Must be alert to the activities of the clinic and patient care.
• Must be able to maintain files.
• Must have, or will have within 2 months, your Florida dental radiology certification.
• Must have, or will have within 2 months, your Florida expanded duties certification.
• Must have graduated from an accredited dental assisting school.
• Must have, or will have within 2 months, a certification in Basic Life Support.
• Six months experience in customer service.
• Must be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.

Nice To Haves

• An understanding of the dental operations.
• Understand compliance and quality requirements related to the provision of dental care services and demonstrated success working with the dentist.
• Knowledge experience with pediatric patients, sterilizing instruments.
• Assists dentist with dental procedures, dental x-rays, instructing patients in oral hygiene instructions.

Responsibilities

• Perform expanded dental duties as licensed by the board of Professional Regulations for Certified Dental Assistant, including polishing clinical crowns, applying topical fluoride gels and varnish, placing sealants, removing sutures, fabricating temporary crowns, packing cord, and cementing temporary crowns.
• Utilize four-handed dental technique, review medical history, take blood pressure, complete SOAP notes, and utilize proper barrier techniques as per OSHA guidelines, including chin-length face shields.
• Pass instruments, retract tongue and/or cheek, and suction simultaneously; coordinate assisting methods with the dentist; adjust equipment and light source; mix restorative materials and cements.
• Be prepared for medical emergencies: alert the dentist, call 911, alert the dental clinic supervisor, and complete necessary paperwork. Obtain emergency equipment and supplies, provide assistance, and perform CPR if necessary.
• Properly set up operatories with instruments and equipment before patient arrival; maintain adequate inventory of supplies and equipment; generate supply and equipment requests.
• Maintain Radiographic Certification, properly utilize ScanX phosphoretic plates and Eaglesoft software.
• Understand and follow Florida Board of Dentistry and DOH standards for cleaning and sterilizing instruments, utilizing proper barrier techniques, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, testing autoclaves, removing trash, cleaning suction traps and tubing, and disposing of biomedical waste.
• Ensure sterilization/bioindicator testing/biomaterial/water testing/safety/ and all other logs are properly completed according to Florida Board of Dentistry and DOH standards.
• Understand and use dental materials per FL DOH and manufacturer guidelines; maintain organized storage areas for bulk storage and individual carts/rooms, including lot numbers.
• Maintain inventory of clinical supplies, reorder as needed through MFMP, receive orders, confirm inventory, validate and sign packing slips, and submit to the finance office within 1 day.
• Properly handle and dispose of all dental materials including sharps; check eye wash stations monthly and maintain a log; properly maintain emergency kit/equipment and keep a log.
• Keep lab area clean and organized; pour models, polish acrylic lab work under direct supervision; observe proper infection control procedures in lab and sterilization areas.
• Complete lab prescriptions and alert front desk staff of pending lab cases.
• Demonstrate dental materials and/or techniques to dental assisting students or dental students under supervision.
• Give health fairs or school presentations as directed.
• Perform expanded duty functions and assist with head start school-based programs in local schools.
• Confirm appointments, provide appointment reminders, school excuses/work excuses.
• Complete dental encounter forms and assist with tallying them for end-of-day reports and fiscal processing.
• Complete referrals and medical consults, alert front desk staff to finish referrals, add to referral log, and follow up as needed.
• Complete assigned computer tasks and trainings as directed.
• Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree