Lead Dental Assistant

HEART OF FLORIDA HEALTH CENTER INC•Ocala, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is an Advanced Responsibility Dental Assistant role responsible for coordinating clinical operations to ensure the efficiency of an assigned dentist’s practice or dental program. The role also involves performing clinical dental assisting duties as outlined in Florida Statutes 466 and Administrative Rules 64B-5. Key responsibilities include screening and preparing patients for treatment, assisting providers, educating patients, and processing instruments while adhering to HIPAA, CDC, and OSHA standards. The team member will also be involved in continuous training and educating future dental providers and patients. The scope of practice extends to clinical dental settings, mobile units, school-based programs, health fairs, and medical-dental integration programs. Tasks encompass the duties of a sterilization technician and dental assistant levels 1 & 2, with additional responsibilities assigned by supervisors, including the Dental Practice Manager, assigned dentist, and Dental Director.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Dental Assistant Diploma or Certificate of Completion from an Accredited Dental Assistant school or training program, including dental radiology, is required.
Successful completion of an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Certificate (EFDA) required.
Current BLS certificate from an accredited AHA or American Red Cross provider required.
Minimum three (3) years of dental assistant experience required.
Nitrous Oxide Analgesia Certification is required.
Must have a valid Florida Driver’s license and reliable form of transportation.
Experience dealing with underserved populations and ability to relate to patients of all religions, ethnical and cultural backgrounds required.
Excellent Communication Skills: Must have good people skills and communicate following the HFHC Core Values.
Must be able to coordinate care as a member of the dental assistant team.
Excellent Emotional Intelligence and Adaptability: Must be able to stay positive in stressful situations and deal professionally with unhappy, fearful, and confrontational individuals.
Adherence to Policy and Procedures: Must have a good working knowledge of dental terminology, dental policies & procedures, and oral health issues.
Must exemplify and model the organizational and department professional code of conduct.
Excellent Time Management Skills: Must be able to organize and prioritize workload.
Manual Dexterity for the utilization of specialized equipment, i.e. prophylaxis slow speed handpiece.
Competent in General Office Skills such as computers (Microsoft Office products, EHR i.e. eCW), faxes, telephones, and copy machines.
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
Must be able to stand or sit chairside for extended periods of time.
Must have manual dexterity to allow for the handling of specialized dental equipment.
Must have clear vision to allow inspection of instruments for cleanliness, residue or defects.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with children and comfortable working with patients of all ages preferred.
Bilingual a plus: Spanish speaker preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform tasks within the scope of practice of an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant, including patient identification, documenting chief complaints, collecting and recording medical history, vital signs, and operating dental X-ray equipment.
Handle dental instruments, including cleaning, bagging, sterilization/disinfection, and re-circulation following OSHA and CDC standards.
Assist in educating patients and parents/guardians regarding oral hygiene, treatment options, dental consent, and provide witness signatures.
Assist the dentist through 4-handed dentistry, including suction, handling dental materials, and transferring instruments.
Monitor Nitrous Oxide Analgesia administration by the dentist and perform operatory disinfection before and after procedures.
Record accurate dental charting, including restorations, caries, and planned restorations, as well as periodontal charting for patients over 18.
Assist the dentist in completing dental exam and procedure documentation and closing procedure codes.
Present treatment plans prepared by the dentist and obtain patient/parent signatures.
Perform preventative dental treatments such as polishing, flossing, sealant, and fluoride placement as delegated.
Provide patient education on oral hygiene and post-operative instructions.
Prepare, scan, and/or fax referral, medical clearance, and other forms.
Monitor the provider schedule to ensure all appointment slots are filled per template.
Proactively participate in patient care to ensure office efficiency and productivity by assisting in patient scheduling.
Be flexible to work with various providers and dental assistants.
Perform post-op phone calls.
Collaborate with other dental assistants to ensure completion of office maintenance tasks, including inventory management, supply ordering, and equipment maintenance.
Perform and/or oversee Autoclave and Ultrasonic equipment maintenance and utilization logs.
Monitor AED battery and pad expiration, log status, and order replacements.
Oversee Dental Lab order submission, case receipt, and associated tracking logs.
Monitor Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen supply, contact vendors for re-order, and ensure log completion.
Monitor Amalgam Separator, change filter, and ensure proper disposal.
Oversee Waterline Preventative Maintenance through quarterly shock treatments and ensure daily water treatment, filtration, and quarterly testing.
Schedule Dental equipment maintenance and repair, coordinate part purchases, and monitor repair processes.
Ensure biohazard and sharps container maintenance and staff adherence to sharps protocol.
Maintain dental equipment by changing filters, solutions, or chemicals and cleaning equipment in accordance with OSHA and CDC standards.
Perform all sterilization and infection control procedures and ensure staff adherence to clinical protocols.
Maintain open communication and collaboration with dental vendors.
Coordinate other programs and tasks as directed by the Dental Practice Manager and/or supervising dentist.
Serve as a liaison between front office, administrative, and clinical teams, monitoring provider schedules and communicating scheduling needs.
Review dental provider schedules for no-shows, cancellations, and reschedules.
Complete Pre-Visit Review Notes.
Relay patient and staff opportunities to assigned dentist and Dental Practice Manager.
Proactively participate in patient care to maximize office production through excellent organization, time management, and accountability.
Ensure office efficiency by coordinating patient care.
Assist Dental Practice Manager and Patient Service Representatives in filling cancellation appointments.
Perform on-boarding and training of new staff, including volunteers, dental assistants, hygienists, students, and residents.
Actively promote and support the positive image of the Dental Department and HFHC Inc.
Perform tasks within the scope of Sterilization Technician, Dental Assistant 1, Dental Assistant 2, and Patient Service Representative.
Serve as a role model employee and support system for the dental assisting team.
Be the first one in the office and the last one out.
Model TACT, AIDET, time management, customer service, and proactive productivity.
Gather dental assistant concerns and questions and communicate effectively with leadership and supervisors.
Participate in and help organize after-hours and weekend HFHC events.
Participate in and help coordinate department projects and programs.
May be required to travel to other HFHC locations.
Assist with other clinical and office duties as assigned.