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.