Dental Assistant (Full Time, Days)

Nicklaus Children's Health System; Florida; On-site; USD 22,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicklaus Children's Health System is seeking a Dental Assistant with Expanded Duties Certification (EFDA) to support pediatric dental care. You will assist dentists, prepare supplies, and help ensure safe, efficient procedures for children of all abilities in a clinical setting.

Responsibilities include sterilizing instruments, taking X-rays, and communicating post-treatment care to families, while upholding infection control standards and patient safety throughout the visit.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited school of Dental Assisting or Expanded Duties Certified (EFDA).
• EFDA certification required within 12 months of hire or remaining current.

Responsibilities

• Assists pediatric dental procedures and prepares for treatments.
• Sterilizes and maintains dental instruments and equipment.
• Takes and processes dental X-rays following infection control policies.
• Greet parents, verify patient identity, and prepare operatory prior to procedures.
• Maintains patient information and obtains parental consent as needed.
• Provides post-treatment instructions to parents and patients, both verbal and written.

Skills

Effective communication

Confidentiality

Clinical expertise

Expanded duties experience

Team cooperation

Education

Graduate of an accredited school of Dental Assisting

EFDA Certification

Job description

Job Summary

Provides access for patients and families with friendly interaction and communication. Works under the direct supervision of the Dentist in providing care to pediatric patients undergoing dental treatment, including prophylaxis (supra-gingival) cleaning. Responsible for preparing for procedures, providing supplies and instruments during procedures, and post-procedure clean‑up. Performs the expanded duty functions as permitted by the Florida Board of Dentistry.

Job Specific Duties

• Applies knowledge of growth and development in patient interactions and treatment.
• Provides expertise with appropriate approaches to small children, children with autism, children confined to wheelchairs, and children with developmental delay.
• Ensures patient safety with papoose (when necessary) for patients unable to sit for procedures unassisted.
• Assures clinic operatory supply levels are par and ensures appropriate staff are notified when master inventory levels drop to re‑order status.
• Checks all equipment for proper function and cleanliness. Notifies designated employee of any equipment not operating properly and needing repair.
• Executes clear & concise education information for parents/patients. Provides parents with post- treatment, sedation & OR verbal instructions as well as written information when indicated.
• Maintains and sterilizes dental instruments.
• Provides for patient safety, greets parents, and assists patients to operatory checking with parent, reading armband to identify scheduled patient before beginning any procedure.
• Reviews, maintains, and documents patient information in the computer thoroughly, accurately, and in a timely manner. Obtains consent from parents.
• Takes x-rays to assure the highest degree of diagnostic information with the least amount of exposure. Follows hospital and departmental infection control policies.
• Works directly with the Pediatric Dental Attending, Residents, and other specialists in the dental clinic and operating room.
• Performs designated expanded duty functions permitted by the Florida Board of Dentistry. Provides assistance with behavior and monitors patient with nitrous oxide and never leaves them unattended.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited school of Dental Assisting or Expanded Duties Certified (EFDA)
• Expanded Duties Certification requiredwithin 12 months ofhire
• American Heart Association AED - Must maintain active and in good standing throughout employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Previous experience as a Dental Assistant highly preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Able to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to demonstrate evidence of clinical expertise.
• High quality skills as an expanded duties assistant.
• Able 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.

Job: Dental

Department: DENTAL CLINIC-2100-687000

Job Status: Professional