Dental Assistant-Hudson

Coast Dental•Hudson, FL

About The Position

Assist 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 Dental Assistant supports clinical procedures, patient documentation and education, appointment coordination, operatory and equipment upkeep, infection control, and office administration. The role also includes explaining treatment plans, insurance benefits, and financial options to patients; responding appropriately to dental emergencies; maintaining patient confidentiality; and supporting a professional, safe, and efficient office environment.

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 according to state guidelines and limitations.
Excellent customer service and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work in a high-volume environment.
Expanded Duties Certificate and/or Radiography Certification upon hire or within 90 days after hire.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of dental experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Understand which duties and functions may be delegated to a dental assistant.
Assist with clinical procedures and treatments.
Learn and comply with the company’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 histories, 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 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.
Keep operatories 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, and maintaining dental lab plaster traps and a clean office environment.
Notify the Office Manager of equipment failures or general safety concerns.
Assist with laboratory duties as needed.
Recognize signs of dental emergencies and ensure 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 follow-up and recall 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.
Perform other assigned duties and responsibilities.