Dental Assistant (Full Time, Days)

Nicklaus Children's Health System; Florida; Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicklaushealth is seeking a Pediatric Dental Assistant to provide access for patients and families, under the Dentist’s supervision, during pediatric dental procedures. The role includes preparing supplies, taking x-rays, sterilizing instruments, and assisting with nitrous oxide while ensuring patient safety and accurate documentation.

Minimum requirements include graduation from an accredited Dental Assisting program or EFDA certification, with Expanded Duties certification within 12 months,

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Provides access for patients and families with friendly interaction and communication.
• Assists during procedures by preparing supplies and instruments.
• Takes x-rays to assure diagnostic information with minimal exposure.
• Maintains and sterilizes dental instruments and ensures operatory cleanliness.
• Provides patient safety, monitors patient with nitrous oxide and gives post‑treatment instructions.

Skills

Dental experience

Communication skills

Expanded duties assistant

Education

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 required within 12 months of hire
• 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.