Dental Assistant-Plant City

COAST DENTAL•Plant City, FL

2d•Onsite

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. An Expanded Duties Certificate and/or Radiography Certification must be held upon hire or obtained within 90 days after hire. The assistant supports clinical procedures, patient documentation and education, treatment planning, appointment scheduling, insurance and financial explanations, equipment and inventory maintenance, laboratory duties, and emergency response. The role also requires adherence to administrative procedures, OSHA and infection-control requirements, HIPAA, confidentiality, uniform and hygiene standards, production standards, and professional teamwork. The assistant attends office meetings, huddles, and scheduled continuing education and training.

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.
Expanded Duties Certificate and/or Radiography Certification upon hire or within 90 days after hire.
Excellent customer service skills 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 the dentist with clinical procedures and treatments, within the duties and functions delegated to 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 wearing protective barriers, disinfecting and sterilizing instruments and treatment areas, and properly disposing of contaminated or biohazardous materials.
Ensure that patient documentation is reviewed and completed, including 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 patients with dental health education and information about continuing treatment.
Present treatment plans and proposed continuing treatment 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.
Maintain equipment protocols, including cleaning the evacuation system, lubricating and maintaining dental handpieces, cleaning and maintaining radiograph processors, monitoring and cleaning equipment, and cleaning dental lab plaster traps.
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, timely response, including notifying patients, staff, and emergency medical personnel when necessary.
Meet production standards and maintain a system for patient 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.
Follow HIPAA regulations and maintain confidentiality.
Retain applicable credentials and demonstrate proficiency in expanded dental assistant functions within state guidelines and limitations.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.