Dental Assistant - Jacksonville

COAST DENTAL•Fruit Cove, 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 hold an Expanded Duties Certificate and/or Radiography Certification upon hire or within 90 days after hire. The position also requires the applicable Florida credential and radiography licensure described in the qualifications. The Dental Assistant supports clinical procedures, patient records and education, scheduling, insurance and financial explanations, operatory readiness, equipment upkeep, laboratory duties, infection control, and emergency response. The assistant follows company administrative procedures, OSHA and infection-control requirements, HIPAA regulations, state guidelines, and the dentist’s instructions, and participates in office meetings and scheduled training.

Requirements

Active Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) certification; or, if 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 with clinical procedures and treatments, and understand the delegable duties and functions permitted for dental assistants.
Learn and follow Coast's administrative procedures, OSHA laws, and safety guidelines; maintain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
Follow state and federal infection-control standards, including use of protective barriers, instrument and treatment-area disinfection and sterilization, and proper disposal of contaminated or bio-hazardous 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 health education and information to support patient awareness and 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 evacuation systems, lubricating and maintaining hand pieces, 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 an appropriate and timely response, including notification of patients, staff, and emergency medical personnel when necessary.
Understand and meet production standards.
Use and maintain a system for patient follow-up and re-care.
Maintain a professional working environment with 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 the required license or credential and demonstrate proficiency in expanded dental assistant functions within state guidelines and limitations.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.