Dental Assistant (Full Time, Days)

Nicklaus Children's•Miami, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dental Assistant provides access for patients and families through friendly interaction and communication. This role works under the direct supervision of the Dentist, providing care to pediatric patients undergoing dental treatment, including prophylaxis (supra-gingival) cleaning. Key responsibilities include preparing for procedures, providing necessary supplies and instruments during procedures, and performing post-procedure clean-up. The assistant is also responsible for performing expanded duty functions as permitted by the Florida Board of Dentistry.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of Dental Assisting or Expanded Duties Certified (EFDA).
Expanded Duties Certification required within 12 months of hire.
American Heart Association AED - Must maintain active and in good standing throughout employment.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
Ability to demonstrate evidence of clinical expertise.
High quality skills as an expanded duties assistant.
Ability to relate cooperatively and constructively with patients, families, and co-workers.
Ability to problem solve to adapt standard clinical procedures to the individual client's need.
Ability to interpret, adapt, and react calmly under stressful conditions.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience as a Dental Assistant highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide access for patients and families with friendly interaction and communication.
Work under the direct supervision of the Dentist in providing care to pediatric patients undergoing dental treatment, including prophylaxis (supra-gingival) cleaning.
Prepare for procedures, provide supplies and instruments during procedures, and perform post-procedure clean-up.
Perform the expanded duty functions as permitted by the Florida Board of Dentistry.
Apply knowledge of growth and development in patient interactions and treatment.
Provide expertise with appropriate approaches to small children, children with autism, children confined to wheelchairs, and children with developmental delay.
Ensure patient safety with papoose (when necessary) for patients unable to sit for procedures unassisted.
Assure clinic operatory supply levels are par and ensure appropriate staff are notified when master inventory levels drop to re-order status.
Check all equipment for proper function and cleanliness.
Notify designated employee of any equipment not operating properly and needing repair.
Execute clear & concise education information for parents/patients.
Provide parents with post-treatment, sedation & OR verbal instructions as well as written information when indicated.
Maintain and sterilize dental instruments.
Provide for patient safety, greet parents, and assist patients to operatory checking with parent, reading armband to identify scheduled patient before beginning any procedure.
Review, maintain, and document patient information in the computer thoroughly, accurately, and in a timely manner.
Obtain consent from parents.
Take x-rays to assure the highest degree of diagnostic information with the least amount of exposure.
Follow hospital and departmental infection control policies.
Work directly with the Pediatric Dental Attending, Residents, and other specialists in the dental clinic and operating room.
Perform designated expanded duty functions permitted by the Florida Board of Dentistry.
Provide assistance with behavior and monitor patient with nitrous oxide and never leave them unattended.