Dental Assistant- Lake Mary

COAST DENTAL•Lake Mary, FL

1d•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. The assistant must have an Expanded Duties Certificate and/or Radiography Certification upon hire or within 90 days after hire. The position is full time in Lake Mary, Florida. The Dental Assistant supports clinical procedures, patient care and education, appointment scheduling, treatment documentation, infection control, operatory readiness, equipment maintenance, and laboratory work as needed. The role also involves explaining treatment plans, insurance benefits, and financial options to patients; maintaining patient confidentiality; responding appropriately to dental emergencies; and working collaboratively with the office team.

Requirements

Active Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) certification; or, when assisting in Florida, a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license or a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certificate obtained before May 2009, according 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 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 duties and functions delegable to a dental assistant.
Learn and comply with Coast 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 biohazardous waste.
Ensure patient documentation is reviewed and completed, including current medical history, medical alerts, and signed consent forms.
Document and chart 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 health education and information to patients and 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 dental hand pieces, 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 proper and timely response, including notification of patients, staff, and emergency medical personnel when necessary.
Understand and maintain production standards.
Use and maintain a patient contact system for 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 policies for uniform attire and basic personal hygiene.
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.