DENTAL ASSISTANT - 1

Requisition No: 881037


Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: DENTAL ASSISTANT - 64043712 1

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64043712


Salary: $38,136.00 - $40,042.60 annually


Posting Closing Date: 08/18/2026


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OPEN COMPETITIVE

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This position requires a highly motivated individual with strong multitasking abilities and a commitment to providing exceptional customer service. The incumbent is responsible for reviewing referrals, scheduling clients in accordance with established clinic protocols, and conducting medical history interviews for clients to ensure complete and accurate documentation. Duties include coordinating communication with referring entities, utilizing the Eaglesoft electronic dental record system and the State health record system, and tracking referrals and pre-authorizations to support continuity of care. The position performs data entry in compliance with Fiscal and Dental Clinic Supervisor requirements and maintains strict security and confidentiality of all patient records and computerized information. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Dental Supervisor, in coordination with dental assistants and dentists, to support the delivery of high-quality clinical services.

Dental treatment: Expanded duties as licensed by the board of Professional Regulations for Certified Dental Assistant. Will polish clinical crowns of teeth. Will apply topical fluoride gels and varnish. Will place sealants. Will remove sutures. Will fabricate temporary crowns, pack cord, and cement temporary crowns.

Four handed dental technique. Will review medical history with the patient/guardian and take blood pressure as indicated by clinic policy. Will complete the signs and symptoms (S) and objective data (O) of the SOAP notes and write up in computer notes. Will utilize proper barrier techniques as per OSHA guidelines. Will utilize proper barrier techniques including chin length face shield. Will pass instruments while correctly retracting tongue and/or cheek; all while suctioning. Will coordinate assisting methods, activities and actions with actions of the dentist. Will adjust equipment and light source as needed by the dentist. Will mix restorative materials and cements. Will perform other duties as required by the dentist or clinic supervisor. Will be prepared for a medical emergency in the dental clinic, alert the dentist in the clinic, call 911, alert the dental clinic supervisor and complete necessary paperwork. Will obtain the necessary emergency equipment and supplies as directed by the dentist and provide the assistance necessary in an emergency and in the emergency drills. Perform CPR if necessary.

Proper operatory set up: Instruments and equipment are out and in place ready before the patient arrives. Will maintain adequate inventory of supplies and equipment. Will generate supplies and equipment requests as needed. Must be able to lift at least 10 pounds.

Radiographs: Will maintain Radiographic Certification as licensed by the Board of Professional Regulations. Will properly utilize ScanX phosphoretic plates and the Eaglesoft software.

Sterilization: Will understand and follow Florida Board of Dentistry and DOH standards. Will properly clean and sterilize instruments following Florida Board of Dentistry and DOH standards. Will utilize proper barrier techniques during cleaning and sterilizing. Will clean and disinfect counters and environmental surfaces following dental clinic procedures. Will test autoclave with biological indicators and keep a log of results. Will clean autoclave as assigned. Will remove trash and replace liners in cans as necessary. Will clean chair suction traps and suction tubing, and central trap as directed. Will dispose of biomedical waste in red bags and sharps as per Florida Board of Dentistry and DOH standards. Ensures sterilization/bioindicator testing/biomaterial/water testing/safety/ and all other logs are properly completely according to Florida Board of Dentistry and DOH standards.

Dental Materials: Will understand materials and use dental materials per FL DOH and manufacturer guidelines. Will maintain an organized well-maintained storage area both for bulk storage and in the individual carts/rooms, with the lot number. Will maintain an inventory so that the proper number of supplies are ordered to maximize the effective date and ordered at the proper Threshold so that items do not run out. Will monitor inventory levels of all clinical supplies and reorder as needed through MFMP. Will receive orders and confirm inventory, validate and sign packing slips and submit to the finance office within 1 day. Will properly handle and dispose of all dental materials including sharps. Will check the eye wash stations once per month and maintain a log with results. Will properly maintain emergency kit/equipment and keep a log with results. Will keep lab area clean and organized. Will pour models, polish acrylic lab work under the direct supervision of the dentist. Will observe proper infection control procedures in the lab and sterilization areas. Will complete lab prescriptions and alert the front desk staff of a pending lab case.

Demonstrate and work with dental assisting students and outreach events: At the discretion of the dental supervisor and under their supervision, demonstrate the use of dental materials and/or techniques to dental assisting students or dental students. May need to give health fairs or school presentations as directed. May need to perform expanded duty functions and assist with head start school-based program and assist with the school based program in local schools.

Clerical / Patient Contact Duties: Confirm appointments, as needed. Provide appointment reminders, school excuses/work excuses. Complete dental encounter forms and help with tallying them for processing end of day report and for fiscal. Will complete lab prescriptions and alert the front desk staff of a pending lab case. Will complete referrals and medical consults, and alert the front desk staff to finish the referral, add to the referral log and follow up on them as needed. Complete assigned computer tasks and trainings as directed. Complete training as directed. Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must have a certified dental assistant degree from the State of Florida.
• Must be able to recruit volunteers and interact with hospital staff, dental staff in a professional manner
• Must maintain an active CPR card.
• Must have a working knowledge of standard dental procedures, techniques and material used in the dental clinic.
• Must have a working knowledge of OSHA standards, dental infection control and hazardous dental materials.
• Must have a positive, helpful attitude toward dental director, dentist, students, other staff, patients and their families.
• Must be able to work in a neat and organized manner.
• Must be able to follow directions given by dental supervisor
• Must be able to prioritize and organize job duties.
• Must be able to work well with others, including completing necessary work.
• Must be able to work in a busy clinic.
• Must be able to work independently and interdependently
• Must be able to work with, including teaching and demonstrating, students as directed by the dentist.
• Must be able to explain directions and answer appropriate questions clearly and concisely.
• Must be able to complete basic operation on the computer and be able to learn programs necessary for the dental clinic.
• Must be alert to the activities of the clinic and patient care.
• Must be able to maintain files.

Qualifications:

MINIMUM-

Must have, or will have within 2 months, your Florida dental radiology certification

Must have, or will have within 2 months, your Florida expanded duties certification

Must have graduated from an accredited dental assisting school

Must have, or will have within 2 months, a certification in Basic Life Support

Six months experience in customer service

PREFERRED-

An understanding of the dental operations

Understand compliance and quality requirements related to the provision of dental care services and demonstrated success working with the dentist.


Knowledge experience with pediatric patients, sterilizing instruments

Assists dentist with dental procedures, dental x-rays, instructing patients in oral hygiene instructions

Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:

Mission:

To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

Vision:

To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.

Values:

I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.

C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.

A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.

R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.

E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.

Where You Will Work:

MARION COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

1801 SE 32ND AVE OCALA FLORIDA 34471

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions

(For more information, please click

• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit

Please be advised:

Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.


This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.


Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website:


If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.


The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system. E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.


Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.

All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.


The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.


Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center View phone number on click.appcast.io). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.


The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.


Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women. The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise. Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.


Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center View phone number on click.appcast.io). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.


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