OPS DENTAL ASSISTANT

Requisition No: 869292


Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: OPS DENTAL ASSISTANT - 64914083

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 64914083


Salary: $16 per hour


Posting Closing Date: 07/12/2026


Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Open Competitive

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This is a Dental Assistant position that will provide direct patient care services in the dental program for the DeSoto County Health Department under the direct supervision of the Dental Assistant Supervisor and the Dentist. The incumbent, an employee of the Florida Department of Health - DeSoto County, represents the agency and its mission and values. The incumbent is part of the organization and is expected to promote cooperation, courtesy and teamwork in a diverse environment.

• The Dental Assistant performs specialized assisting techniques as well as maintaining dental records and coordinating patient dental treatment which requires independent decision-making. The employee must maintain current work knowledge and skills based on the Department of Health programs and policies. This position is classified as a sensitive position. Incumbent handles protected health information on a need to know basis following Department of Health Information Security and Privacy Policy and procedures. Employee abides by State/Federal laws governing health information. Employee is responsible to maintain confidentiality, security, privacy and integrity of protected health information. This is a position which may require coverage at other locations including evening hours as mandated by the Supervisor. This position has access to the following information sets: medical/dental records. Refers to and utilizes DOH 50-10-05 Information Security and Privacy Policy as needed.
• Efficiently perform four-handed dentistry in the delivery of dental care including dental prophylaxis and hygiene, material preparation and presentation of appropriate dental instruments. Also, under the supervision of the Dentist, will perform expanded duty dental functions in accordance with all relevant Federal, State and professional standards. The duties extend to accurate dental charting and treatment plan interpretation in a timely manner utilizing the appropriate forms and documentation standards.
• Be proficient in the use of dental computer software. Must enter documentation in Dentrix, Dexis and HMS programs. Must be able to discuss present treatment and future dental treatment with the patient. Responsible for making appointments while maintaining a workable daily schedule. Assure all documentation is present in chart, to include but not limited to updated health history, HIPPA forms, registration forms etc.
• Appropriately interact with patients and guardians to include greeting, seating, educating and discussion of treatment plan.
• Other related duties as required by supervisor.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to prepare;
• sterilize, and maintain dental instruments and equipment;
• fabricate dental plaster models, read, follow verbal and written instructions, and communicate effectively;

• Must have knowledge of Dental Software, DENTRIX AND DEXIS;
• Use of equipment and supplies related to the position
• Communication (Oral & Written): Takes the initiative to communicate accurate, up-to-date plans and information to subordinates, peers, and management. Expresses thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. Listens and understands the views of others;
• Creative Thinking: Develops new insights into situations and applies innovative solutions to make organizational improvements; designs and implements new or cutting-edge programs/processes;
• Customer Service: Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing excellence in products and services.
• Flexibility: Accommodates changing situations or plans for satisfactory performance of the job. Able to change easily from one task to another;
• Human Relations: Works with others in a professional, considerate and helpful manner. Projects a positive image of HCHD and self;
• Initiative: Is self-confident, motivated, and has an enthusiastic drive to perform current job duties & undertakes duties of greater responsibility;
• Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, cooperation, concern, and politeness to others; relates well to different people from varied backgrounds and different situations;
• Responsive to Direction: Takes and gives direction; accepts and delivers constructive criticism; and responds and implements suggestions for improvement;
• Team Building: Inspires, motivates, and guides others toward goal accomplishments. Consistently develops and sustains cooperative working relationships. Encourages and facilitates cooperation within the organization and with customer groups; fosters commitment, team spirit, pride, trust. Develops leadership in others through coaching, mentoring, rewarding and guiding employees;

• Technology: Navigates the Internet, uses office suite and assorted software (including Dentrix Electronic Oral Health Record and Dexis Imaging), and uses technology equipment, able to adapt to advancing technology;
• Time Management: Manages a variety of responsibilities in a timely, efficient manner and is able to prioritize tasks. Skilled in using time management techniques to coordinate a variety of responsibilities efficiently. Ability to prioritize tasks.

Qualifications:

• Certification of dental expanded duties for the State of Florida Radiation safety certification.
• Florida Driver License
• Incumbent may be required to work before, during and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency. Emergency duty required of the incumbent includes working in special needs or Red Cross shelters, 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.

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:

Arcadia, FL

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. As an OPS employee, the benefits below are available:

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (mandatory)
• Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements. Consult with People First and/or the serving HR office)
• Workers' Compensation (mandatory, if needed)
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) (mandatory, if needed)
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)
• Employee Assistance Program (voluntary)
• 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.


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

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.

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