DENTAL ASSISTANT - 64086324

State of Florida • Jacksonville Beach, FL

103d • $34,759 - $38,235 • Onsite

About The Position

This is work assisting dentists and providing patient care. Some positions in this occupation may be responsible for coordinating work and supervising employees. Public Health Competency Domain 1: Analytical/Assessment Skills – Uses information technology in accessing, collecting, analyzing, using, maintaining, and disseminating data and information as part of the QI Team for the Clinic. Ensures ethical principles are applied in accessing, collecting, analyzing, using, maintaining, and disseminating data and information. Public Health Competency Domain 2: Policy Development/Program Planning Skills – Implements the strategies developed by the QI Team for quality improvement at the clinic level. Contributes to development of program goals and objectives. Contributes to implementation of organizational strategic plan.

Requirements

• Knowledge of dental equipment, instruments and supplies, basic dental terminology.
• Ability to perform routine dental laboratory work, supervises people, determine work priorities, assign work, and ensure proper completion of work assignments.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, prepare reports, communicate effectively, and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Technical dental assisting skills; organizational and planning skills; self-direction and self-motivation; and human relations skills.
• Ability to frequently bend, kneel, reach, and sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Graduate of a dental assistant program approved by the Florida Board of Dentistry or accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental accreditation
• All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.

Nice To Haves

• CPR Certification
• Florida Dental Radiology Certification

Responsibilities

• Prepares patient, sterilizes and disinfects instruments, sets up instrument trays, prepares materials, and assists dentist during dental procedures
• Takes and records medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients
• Records treatment information in patient records
• Assists dentist in management of medical and dental emergencies
• Exposes dental diagnostic x-rays
• Applies protective coating of fluoride to teeth
• Provides postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist
• Makes preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts
• Pours, trims, and polishes study casts
• Cleans and polishes removable appliances
• Fabricates temporary restorations and custom impressions from preliminary impressions
• Places and removes rubber dams and matrices
• Places temporary restorations
• Places dental sealants
• Instructs patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs
• Removes sutures
• Schedules appointments, prepares bills and receives payment for dental services, completes insurance forms, and maintains records, manually or using computer
• Maintains supply inventory
• Orders supplies
• Performs routine equipment maintenance and minor repair
• Ensures clinic follows OSHA and ADA guidelines
• Submits Timesheets and EARs as required by supervisor
• Completes all mandatory training as required by supervisor
• Communicates positively, clearly and concisely with supervisors, team members, and external representatives in all interactions.
• Manages difficult clients positively and appropriately.
• Ensures writing, including electronic communications, is professional, error-free, clear, and concise.
• Communicates information to influence behavior and improve the health of clients.
• Ensures the diversity of individuals and populations is addressed in policies, programs, and services affecting the health of the community.
• Explains the ways relationships between primary care and dental care are affecting health of clients.
• Suggests relationships that may be needed to improve the health of clients.
• Collaborates with community partners to improve health by connecting clients to additional resources.
• Provides input for developing, implementing, evaluating, and improving policies, programs, and services.
• Adheres to organizational policies and procedures.
• Operates program within budget.
• Motivates colleagues for the purpose of achieving program and organizational goals by participating in clinic team meetings and respecting different points of view.
• Uses performance management systems for program and organizational improvement to meet productivity standards.
• Incorporates ethical standards of practice into all interactions with clients and team members.
• Strives to uphold the Department of Health’s values of I.C.A.R.E.
• Abides by the Florida Department of Health Code of Ethics.
• Provides opportunities for professional development for team members through training, mentoring, and coaching.
• Participates in professional development opportunities.
• Contributes to continuous improvement through active participation in the Annual QI project.
• Appropriately champions issues through resolution; researches possible solutions and alternatives; communicates issues and possible solutions to appropriate internal and external partners; asks for assistance as appropriate; initiates and maintains collaborative relationships with supervisors, and internal and external partners.
• Uses DOH policies and procedures to inform decisions; seeks advice from supervisors or other authority; utilizes research or professional organization standards or information to inform decisions.
• Performs other duties as assigned, in support of the Agency’s mission and vision.

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree