Dental Assistant (DA)

Build Your Career with Palms!Shape Your Future. Serve Your Community. Build Your Career with Palms!What Life Working at Palms Looks Like:Mission and Meaningful Work: PMG is a not for profit, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). That means it's focused on serving underserved populations, offering affordable primary care and preventative services. For many people, that makes the work feel meaningful.Stability & Growth: PMG has been around for a long time (since 1971) and we are still expanding!Comprehensive Services & Variety: We offer a wide array of services – family medicine, pediatrics, dental, behavioral health, prenatal care, etc. – So working here gives exposure to different patient populations, conditions and settings.Patient-Centered, Community Focus: PMG emphasizes accessible care (same day scheduling, weekend appointments, bilingual staff) and works in communities throughout North Florida. It is also a Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH), meaning there's an emphasis on continuity of care, relationships with patients, etc.Culture & Community: Many reviews say that PMG has a "friendly, compassionate, professional" environment. There is pride among the staff in giving back to the community.Perks:Competitive WagesComprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental and Vision InsuranceProfessional Development OpportunitiesEmployee Assistance ProgramsCompany Paid Life Insurance401k with 5% Match11 Paid Holidays20 Days PTORecognition and RewardsCommunity ImpactPosition SummaryThe Dental Assistant supports the delivery of high-quality dental care by assisting dentists and clinical staff with patient care, office procedures, and laboratory tasks. This role ensures efficient patient flow, maintains accurate records, and upholds infection control standards. Responsibilities include preparing patients and instruments, assisting during procedures, and providing patient education and post-operative instructions.Description of Primary Responsibilities1) Patient Care Supporta) Provide dental services within the scope of practice and in accordance with Palms Medical Group policies, procedures and protocolsb) Review patient health histories, dental charts and oral histories prior to treatment.c) Prepare instrument trays and dental materials for procedures.d) Assist the dentist during routine and emergency procedures.e) Record dental treatment details in the patient's dental chart.f) Communicate postoperative instructions as prescribed by the dentist.g) Educate patients on oral hygiene and plaque control techniques.2) Inventory & Infection Controla) Monitors inventory levels and submit supply requests through appropriate channels.b) Clean, disinfect and sterilize dental instruments and equipment.c) Maintain a clean, organized and professional clinical environment.3) Administrative Supporta) Record and review patient medical histories accurately.b) Assist with internal audits, surveys and quality improvement initiatives.c) Perform any other duty assigned to support the efficiency and effectiveness of PMG operations.RequirementsDescription of Primary AttributesGeneral Development:1) Must be organized, a self-starter and detail oriented2) Job duties require the ability to work independently and as part of a team3) Expected to travel and cover other sites during dental assistant absences4) Assist in the training and mentoring of coworkers by sharing knowledge, providing guidance, and supporting skill development.Professional & Technical Knowledge:1) Employee shall be able to read and interpret written dental instructions2) Employee will know how to process radiographs3) Employee will know how to expose dental radiographs4) Employee will know how to efficiently operate NextGen EDR5) Employee will be expected to navigate and operate Microsoft Office suite products, including Word, Excel and TeamsLicenses & Certifications:1) High School Diploma or Equivalent2) Certificate of completion from an accredited Dental Assistant program with Expanded Functions3) Current BLS (basic life support) CertificationPhysical/Mental/Emotional Demands:Standing for long periods of timeSitting for long periods of timeViewing a computer monitor for long periods of timeBendingStretching / ReachingWalking short distancesLifting up to 50 poundsOperating office equipment (computer, fax machines, telephones and copy machines)Reading forms / Instructions / Patients ChartsCommunicating well to people of various ages, educational levels, cultural backgrounds in person or by telephoneExposure to potentially violent / irate patientsHealth / Safety Consideration of PositionExposure to chemical infectious / contagious illnessExposure to chemical and inhalation of antibiotics during reconstitutionExposure to X-Ray radiationExposure to a variety of scents and odorsMust utilize universal precaution in clinical or exposure situations as prescribed by federal state, and local guidelines and /or laws