OPS DENTAL ASSISTANT

Ops Dental Assistant - 64858655

This position is part of the Florida Department of Health in Bay County (DOH Bay) Children's Dentistry Clinic team, providing dental services to a diverse population of under-served children through age of 20. Responsibilities include maintaining patient information in accordance with state and federal statutes, rules, regulations, and DOH policies, protocols, and procedures. Accurately and timely enters and documents patient oral health information in electronic health record (EHR) systems. Essential duties and responsibilities provide chair-side dental assisting and clinical support to the dentist during examinations and treatment procedures, including restorations, extractions, pulpotomies, stainless steel crowns, and preventive services. Utilizes four-handed dentistry techniques to ensure efficient and effective delivery of care. Seats patients, reviews and records medical and dental histories, obtains vital signs, and documents findings and treatment in the patient record. Prepares, maintains, and breaks down operatory rooms between patients to ensure readiness and compliance with infection control standards. Exposes and processes intra-oral dental diagnostic x-rays in accordance with state regulations. Performs expanded duties as permitted by law and training, including application of fluoride, sealants, and other preventive procedures as directed by the dentist. Provides patients and caregivers with oral hygiene education, as well as pre-operative and post-operative instructions, referrals, and general treatment information in a culturally competent manner. Supports patients with anxiety, special needs, or language barriers to ensure a positive care experience. Maintains strict adherence to CDC and OSHA infection control guidelines. Cleans, disinfects, and sterilizes instruments using ultrasonic cleaners and autoclave equipment; performs spore testing and waterline monitoring; and maintains required sterilization logs. Ensures proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and compliance with bio-hazard and bloodborne pathogen disposal regulations. Performs routine maintenance of dental equipment, including lubrication of handpieces and upkeep of operatory and clinical systems. Monitors and maintains adequate levels of clinical supplies, ensuring operatories are fully stocked and organized for daily operations. Assists with inventory tracking and ordering of supplies as needed. Supports clinic operations by assisting with patient scheduling, maintaining efficient clinic flow, and ensuring all documentation is accurate and compliant with HIPAA and DOH requirements. Participates in public health initiatives by assisting with community outreach events, supporting mobile or off-site dental clinics, and promoting preventive dental care and access to services. Assists with tracking program metrics and outcomes as required. Works collaboratively with dental and clinic staff to maintain a safe, clean, and efficient work environment. Participates in shared responsibilities, including sterilization room duties, and attends required staff meetings, trainings, and seminars. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities: knowledge of dental terminology, procedures, and instruments understanding of HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality requirements strong sterilization and instrument processing skills ability to work in a fast-paced clinical setting while maintaining attention to detail ability to work collaboratively as part of a healthcare team ability to support community outreach and public health initiatives when applicable.

Qualifications: minimum must be willing to work before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency. This may include working in a special needs or Red Cross shelter, or performing other emergency duties including, but not limited to, responses to or threats involving any disaster or threat of disaster, man-made or natural. Valid driver's license preferred dental assistant certification (CDA) expanded functions dental assistant certification (EFDA) dental radiography certification.