Dental Assistants
DENTAL TREATMENT
• Expanded duties, and Restorative Functions as licensed by the board of Professional Regulations for Certified Dental Assistant.
• Will polish clinical crowns of teeth.
• Will apply topical fluoride gels and varnish.
• Will place temporary restorations.
• Will place sealants.
• Will remove sutures.
• Will fabricate temporary crowns, pack cord, and cement temporary crowns.
• Restorative functions as licensed by the Board of Professional Regulations
• Will place matrix bands, wedges, retraction cord, to prepare for restorations.
• Will place restorations.
• Will fit and shape stainless steel crowns for dentist to cement
FOUR HANDED DENTAL TECHNIQUE
• Will review medical history with the patient/Client and take blood pressure as indicated by clinic policy.
• Will complete the signs and symptoms (S) and objective data (O) of the SOAP notes and write up in computer notes
• Will utilize proper barrier techniques as per OSHA guidelines.
• Will utilize proper barrier techniques including chin length face shield.
• Will pass instruments while correctly retracting tongue and/or cheek; all while suctioning.
• Will coordinate assisting methods, activities and actions with actions of the dentist.
• Will adjust equipment and light source as needed by the dentist.
• Will mix restorative materials and cements.
• Will perform other duties as required by the dentist or clinic supervisor.
• Will be prepared for a medical emergency in the dental clinic, alert the dentist in the clinic, call 911, alert the dental clinic supervisor and complete necessary paperwork.
• Will obtain the necessary emergency equipment and supplies as directed by the dentist and provide the assistance necessary in an emergency and in the emergency drills. Perform CPR if necessary.
PROPER OPERATORY SET UP
• Instruments and equipment are out and in place ready before the patient arrives
• Will maintain adequate inventory of supplies and equipment.
• Will generate supplies and equipment requests as needed.
• Must be able to lift at least 10 pounds.
RADIOGRAPHS
• Will maintain Radiographic Certification as licensed by the Board of Professional Regulations.
• Will properly utilize ScanX phosphoretic plates and the Eaglesoft software.
STERILIZATION
• Will understand and follow Florida Board of Dentistry and DOH standards.
• Will properly clean and sterilize instruments following Florida Board of Dentistry and DOH standards.
• Will utilize proper barrier techniques during cleaning and sterilizing.
• Will clean and disinfect counters and environmental surfaces following dental clinic procedures.
• Will test autoclave with biological indicators and keep a log of results.
• Will clean autoclave as assigned.
• Will remove trash and replace liners in cans as necessary.
• Will clean chair suction traps and suction tubing, and central trap as directed.
• Will dispose of biomedical waste in red bags and sharps as per Florida Board of Dentistry and DOH standards.
• Ensures sterilization/bioindicator testing/biomaterial/water testing/safety/ and all other logs are properly completely according to Florida Board of Dentistry and DOH standards.
DENTAL MATERIALS
• Will understand materials and use dental materials per FL DOH and manufacturer guidelines.
• Will maintain an organized well-maintained storage area both for bulk storage and in the individual carts/rooms, with the lot number.
• Will maintain an inventory so that the proper number of supplies are ordered to maximize the effective date and ordered at the proper Threshold so that items do not run out.
• Will monitor inventory levels of all clinical supplies and reorder as needed through MFMP.
• Will receive orders and confirm inventory, validate and sign packing slips and submit to the finance office within 1 day.
• Will properly handle and dispose of all dental materials including sharps.
• Will check the eye wash stations once per month and maintain a log with results.
• Will properly maintain emergency kit/equipment and keep a log with results.
• Will keep lab area clean and organized.
• Will pour models, polish acrylic lab work under the direct supervision of the dentist.
• Will observe proper infection control procedures in the lab and sterilization areas.
• Will complete lab prescriptions and alert the front desk staff of a pending lab case.
DEMONSTRATE AND WORK WITH DENTAL ASSISTING STUDENTS and OUTREACH
• At the discretion of the dental supervisor and under their supervision, demonstrate the use of dental materials. and/or techniques to dental assisting students or dental students.
• May need to give health fairs or school presentations as directed.
• May need to perform expanded duty functions and assist with head start school-based program and assist with the school based program in local schools.
CLERICAL / PATIENT CONTACT DUTIES
• Confirm appointments.
• Provide appointment reminders, school excuses/work excuses.
• Complete dental encounter forms and help with tallying them for processing end of day report and for fiscal.
• Will complete lab prescriptions and alert the front desk staff of a pending lab case.
• Will complete referrals and medical consults, and alert the front desk staff to finish the referral, add to the referral log and follow up on them as needed.
• Complete assigned computer tasks
• Complete training as directed.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Knowledge, skills and abilities, including utilization of equipment, required for the position:
• Must have a Florida Radiology certificate and Expanded duty certificate.
• Must maintain an active CPR card.
• Must have a working knowledge of standard dental procedures, techniques and material used in the dental clinic.
• Must have a working knowledge of OSHA standards, dental infection control and hazardous dental materials.
• Must have a positive, helpful attitude toward dental director, dentist, students, other staff, patients and their families.
• Must be trained and able to treat patients with various conditions, including but not limited to chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Must be able to work in a neat and organized manner.
• Must be able to follow directions given by dental supervisors.
• Must be able to prioritize and organize job duties.
• Must be able to work well with others, including completing necessary work.
• Must be able to work in a busy clinic.
• Must be able to work independently and interdependently.
• Must be able to work with, including teaching and demonstrating, students as directed by the dentist.
• Must be able to explain directions and answer appropriate questions clearly and concisely.
• Must be able to greet patients, process paperwork, and enter information into the Eaglesoft electronic oral health record.
• Must be alert to the activities of the clinic and patient care.
• Licensure/registration/certification requirements (If applicable, list the appropriate Florida Statute or federal regulation cite):
Certified dental assistant degree from the State of Florida, Valid Florida Driver's License