OPS DENTAL ASSISTANT - 64908210 1

State of Florida • Port Charlotte, FL

2d • $20 • Onsite

About The Position

The OPS Dental Assistant is expected to work 32-40 hours per week. Under the direction of the supervising dentist and/or dental clinic manager, the Dental Assistant supports delivery of high-quality, patient-centered oral health services within the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County (DOH-Charlotte). This role performs chairside assisting, infection prevention and control, radiography, sterilization, operatory preparation/turnover, patient flow coordination, health education, and administrative support to ensure safe, efficient, and equitable access to care for all patients. Duties are carried out in accordance with Chapter 466, Florida Statutes and applicable Florida Board of Dentistry rules, DOH policies and procedures, and recognized clinical standards of practice. The position reports directly to the Public Health Services Manager B-SES.
Clinical Support

Prepare, seat, and dismiss patients; verify medical/dental histories, allergies, and chief complaint.
Provide chairside assisting for exams, prophylaxis, fillings, extractions, sealants, fluoride, and other approved procedures.
Place and remove dental materials (e.g., matrix bands, liners) and perform expanded functions as authorized by Florida law and per verified certifications.
Take, process, and mount dental radiographs (digital/film) in compliance with safety standards and radiography certification requirements.
Perform dental charting, record treatment notes, and update EHR/EMR accurately and promptly.
Educate patients/parents/guardians on oral hygiene, disease prevention, post-op care, and community resources.
Coordinate and perform duties within the Dental Sealant Program, including traveling to various program sites (e.g., schools or community centers) to provide preventative care.

Infection Prevention & Sterilization

Adhere to infection control protocols including universal precautions, PPE use, instrument sterilization (autoclave), operatory turnover, and waterline maintenance.
Conduct daily/weekly sterilization monitoring and documentation per clinic policy and manufacturer instructions.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe clinical environment.

Clinic Operations & Patient Flow

Set up/break down operatories, trays, and materials for scheduled procedures.
Manage patient flow to minimize wait times and maintain schedule integrity.
Assist with triage, emergency patients, and urgent situations under clinician direction.
Support inventory control: order, stock, and rotate supplies; track lot numbers/expirations.

Administrative & Outreach

Perform appointment scheduling, patient registration, forms completion, and benefits/eligibility support as assigned.
Maintain accurate logs (sterilization, QA/QI, X-ray exposure, equipment maintenance).
Support school-based sealant programs, mobile/field clinics, and community outreach events (as assigned).
Participate in quality improvement (QI), risk management, safety drills, and performance audits.

Compliance, Safety, and Standards

Follow all DOH policies, HIPAA, privacy/security, and patient confidentiality standards.
Comply with Florida Statutes, Board of Dentistry rules, OSHA, CDC infection control guidelines, and radiation safety procedures.
Report incidents, hazards, and equipment issues promptly; contribute to corrective actions.

Other Duties:

Attend mandatory DOH trainings and meetings.
Enter hours worked timely and accurately in People First and HMS Employee Activity Records (EARs).
Complete mandatory Continuing Education (CE) requirements to maintain certifications and keep abreast of state dentistry regulations.
Assist with the setup and breakdown of portable dental equipment for the Sealant Program.
Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Statutes, Rules and Regulations that pertain to the program
• Knowledge of dental procedures, terminology, instruments, materials, infection control, and sterilization practices
• Skill in chairside assisting, four-handed dentistry, radiography, impression taking, and dental charting
• Proficiency with dental EHR/EMR, digital imaging systems, and basic office software
• Strong communication and customer service; compassionate, trauma-informed, and culturally competent care
• Ability to prioritize, multitask in a fast-paced clinic, and maintain accuracy with documentation
• Reliability, punctuality, and teamwork; able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to work well with others and contribute to a positive team environment
• Commitment to public health values, equity, and continuous improvement
• Ability to work with children
• Ability to handle and maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism
• Ability to interact professionally with other DOH staff and the public and provide excellent customer service
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients and dental staff
• Ability to transport equipment and adapt to different work environments (clinics, schools
• A valid Florida driver’s license (or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire) is required.
• Certification in Dental Radiography is required.
• Certification in Expanded Duties is required.
• Current BLS/CPR certification through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross is required.
• Must be willing to physically come in the office daily and perform field work.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, seat, and dismiss patients; verify medical/dental histories, allergies, and chief complaint.
• Provide chairside assisting for exams, prophylaxis, fillings, extractions, sealants, fluoride, and other approved procedures.
• Place and remove dental materials (e.g., matrix bands, liners) and perform expanded functions as authorized by Florida law and per verified certifications.
• Take, process, and mount dental radiographs (digital/film) in compliance with safety standards and radiography certification requirements.
• Perform dental charting, record treatment notes, and update EHR/EMR accurately and promptly.
• Educate patients/parents/guardians on oral hygiene, disease prevention, post-op care, and community resources.
• Coordinate and perform duties within the Dental Sealant Program, including traveling to various program sites (e.g., schools or community centers) to provide preventative care.
• Adhere to infection control protocols including universal precautions, PPE use, instrument sterilization (autoclave), operatory turnover, and waterline maintenance.
• Conduct daily/weekly sterilization monitoring and documentation per clinic policy and manufacturer instructions.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe clinical environment.
• Set up/break down operatories, trays, and materials for scheduled procedures.
• Manage patient flow to minimize wait times and maintain schedule integrity.
• Assist with triage, emergency patients, and urgent situations under clinician direction.
• Support inventory control: order, stock, and rotate supplies; track lot numbers/expirations.
• Perform appointment scheduling, patient registration, forms completion, and benefits/eligibility support as assigned.
• Maintain accurate logs (sterilization, QA/QI, X-ray exposure, equipment maintenance).
• Support school-based sealant programs, mobile/field clinics, and community outreach events (as assigned).
• Participate in quality improvement (QI), risk management, safety drills, and performance audits.
• Follow all DOH policies, HIPAA, privacy/security, and patient confidentiality standards.
• Comply with Florida Statutes, Board of Dentistry rules, OSHA, CDC infection control guidelines, and radiation safety procedures.
• Report incidents, hazards, and equipment issues promptly; contribute to corrective actions.
• Attend mandatory DOH trainings and meetings.
• Enter hours worked timely and accurately in People First and HMS Employee Activity Records (EARs).
• Complete mandatory Continuing Education (CE) requirements to maintain certifications and keep abreast of state dentistry regulations.
• Assist with the setup and breakdown of portable dental equipment for the Sealant Program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (mandatory)
• Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements. Consult with People First and/or the serving HR office)
• Workers’ Compensation (mandatory, if needed)
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) (mandatory, if needed)
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)
• Employee Assistance Program (voluntary)

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees