Dental Assistant - Beneva

Coast Dental•Sarasota, FL

About The Position

The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in providing dental treatment, care, and education to patients. The role requires strong knowledge of clinical needs and working knowledge of back-office dental procedures and dental administrative functions. The assistant must have an Expanded Duties Certificate and/or Radiography Certification upon hire or within 90 days after hire. The position supports clinical procedures and treatments, patient education and follow-up, accurate documentation, appointment scheduling, and communication about treatment plans, insurance benefits, and financial options. It also maintains infection-control and safety practices, treatment-area readiness, equipment and inventory, and a professional, confidential office environment. The assistant participates in office huddles, meetings, continuing education, and training, and performs other assigned duties.

Requirements

Active Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) certification.
For assisting in Florida: a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license or a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certificate obtained before May 2009, in accordance with state guidelines and limitations.
Radiography licensure.
Retain a Registered, CDA, or EFDA license and demonstrate proficiency in expanded dental assistant functions permitted by state guidelines and limitations.
Have 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, while observing the duties and functions permitted for dental assistants.
Learn and comply with the company's administrative procedures and OSHA laws and safety guidelines.
Maintain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
Follow state and federal infection-control standards, including use of protective barriers, disinfection and sterilization, and proper disposal of contaminated or biohazardous materials.
Review and complete patient documentation, including current medical histories, medical alerts, and signed consent forms.
Chart all dental procedures performed during 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 promote patient awareness of dental health and continuing treatment.
Present treatment plans and proposed continuing treatments to patients professionally and confidentially.
Explain insurance benefits and financial options to patients in nonclinical terms.
Ensure operatories are equipped and stocked, and reorder inventory when necessary.
Follow equipment protocols, including cleaning evacuation systems, lubricating and maintaining dental handpieces, cleaning and maintaining radiograph processors, monitoring and cleaning equipment, cleaning dental-lab plaster traps, and maintaining a clean office environment.
Notify the Office Manager of equipment failures or general safety concerns.
Assist with laboratory duties as necessary.
Recognize signs of dental emergencies and ensure proper, timely response and notification to the patient, staff, and emergency medical personnel when necessary.
Understand and maintain production standards.
Use and maintain a system for patient contact, 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 uniform and personal-hygiene standards.
Attend continuing-education and training seminars as scheduled.
Comply with HIPAA regulations and maintain confidentiality.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.