Lead Dental Assistant (Full Time, Day shift)

Description

Job Summary

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. Leads the dental assistants to ensure best possible quality of care for each patient.

Job Specific Duties

• Collaborates with the Dental Administrators and staff to meet NCHS needs. Supports departmental goals and NCHS strategic plan. 
  
• Applies knowledge of growth and development in patient interactions and treatment. 
  
• Identifies opportunities to improve processes and assists Leader with projects to enhance workflow utilizing Lean methodologies and tools. 
  
• Works in conjunction with dental leaders to coordinate dental assistant’s schedules.
  
• Applies 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. 
  
• Promotes/practices cost containment and maintaining fiscal performance by ensuring appropriate supplies and par levels are maintained. 
  
• Checks all equipment for proper function and cleanliness. Notifies designated employee of any equipment not operating properly and needing repair. 
  
• Promotes a safe "error free" working environment by consistently performing infection prevention assessments and maintains clinical area in compliance with regulatory standards. 
  
• Actively participates in the performance review process through chart reviews and validating timeliness of charting and all requirements are met. 
  
• 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 and reading armband to identify scheduled patient before beginning any procedure.
  
• Reviews, maintains, and documents patient information in the computer system thoroughly, accurately, and in a timely manner. Obtains consent from parents when indicated. 
  
• 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, monitors patient with nitrous oxide, and never leaves them unattended. 

Qualifications

Minimum Job Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited school of Dental Assisting  
  
• American Heart Association AED - maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
  
• Expanded Duties Cert - maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
  
• Nitrous Oxide Certification required within 6 months of hire - maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
  
• 3-5 years Highly trained Expanded Duties Dental Assistant experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Sedation course preferred.
  
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
  
• Strong customer service, problem solving, critical thinking, time management, and conflict resolution skills.
  
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
  
• Ability to demonstrate evidence of clinical expertise and quality skills as an expanded duties assistant.
  
• Able to relate cooperatively and constructively with patients, families, and co-workers.
  
• Ability to interpret, adapt, and react calmly under stressful conditions.
  
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
  
• Able to apply knowledge of growth and development in patient and customer interactions and treatments.
  
• Excellent organizational skills.

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