Job Description

Under the supervision of a Dentist, the Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) supports the Dentist in the provision of high-quality care within the scope of service consistent with accepted standards of care for EFDA’s. The EFDA reports to the Dental Office Manager.

Essential Job Functions:

Provides hands-on dental care in a variety of settings while achieving the highest levels of appropriateness, quality, efficiency, accessibility and responsiveness.

Responsibilities:

• Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies and equipment;
• Prepares the operatory for the patient visit
• Seats patient in chair and explains procedures to be performed
• Collects and records patient health histories
• Drapes patient with protective linens; sets up instrument tray with required supplies
• Prepares dental materials, cements, amalgams, composites, impression materials, etc.
• Takes radiographs using conventional or digital technology and following radiation safety precautions
• Assists with dental charting
• Assists in the prevention and management of dental emergencies
• Manages the patient during dental procedures
• Provides active chairside assistance; transfers instruments as appropriate for four-handed dentistry
• Place and contour amalgam and other restorative materials
• perform coronal polishing
• perform fluoride treatments, including fluoride varnish
• Takes impressions for study casts, athletic mouth guards, and custom tray.
• Performs laboratory procedures, including the pouring and trimming of models; polishing dental prosthetics, and making vac-u-press forms
• At the conclusion of the procedure, follows proper infection control protocols and prepares the operatory for the next patient
• Help manage the dental office’s infection control plan to meet all regulatory requirements
• Monitors and documents the flow of laboratory cases; maintains lab facility
• Performs, monitors, and records all sterilization activities
• Maintains proper aseptic techniques necessary with dental equipment; maintains and properly sterilizes instruments
• Routinely cleans, disinfects, and restocks operatories
• Helps manage patient flow
• Maintains the inventory of supplies and reorders as necessary
• Track and verify invoices
• Performs duties within the dental program as assigned

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, unpleasant odors and/or loud noises
• Moderate physical activity. Requires handling average-weight objects up to 15-20 pounds, assisting with patients and standing and/or walking for most the day
• Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens and will require OSHA training
• Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment

Knowledge, Skill and Technical Qualities:

• Ability to maintain quality, safety and/or infection control standards
• Knowledge of dental terminology and dental science
• Knowledge of community-based dental environment
• Knowledge of ethical and legal standards for the delivery of dental care
• Ability to observe, assess and record symptoms, reactions and progress
• Ability to work independently and in tandem with a dentist.
• Maintains and expands current level of dental assistant skill and knowledge by periodically attending continuing education programs.
• Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines

Behavioral Qualities:

• Able to work effectively at all levels in a collaborative team environment
• Responds constructively to pressure situations and time limits
• Places a high value on personal and departmental performance excellence
• Adheres to office dress code and standards of behavior
• Maintains patient confidentiality

Education/Licensure Requirements:

• Current CPR/AED certification
• Graduate from an EFDA assisting program at a two year college or completion from a state accredited certification EFDA program
• National DANB Radiation and Safety exam Certificate of Completion
• State Board of Dentistry EFDA exam Certificate of Completion
• Minimum of 2 years as a dental assistant preferred

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

• This position is classified as salaried non-exempt in accordance to FLSA standards.