OPS DENTAL ASSISTANT

Overview Requisition No: 871374. Agency: Department of Health. Working Title: OPS DENTAL ASSISTANT - 64858388. Pay Plan: Temp. Position Number: 64858388. Salary: $20.50 per hour, full time. Posting Closing Date: 05/11/2026. Responsibilities This is a dental support position based in a multi-faceted dental care program. Work is performed under the supervision of a full-time Dentist; however, direct responsibility is to any chairside dentist in the provision of patient care, and the employee shall follow instructions by the dentists to assure high quality dental care. During the absence of the Dentist, the person in this position is required to work the desk area, as well as chairside, when necessary to maintain facility operations. Incumbent is expected to communicate (by phone or in person) in a courteous and professional manner at all times. Typical duties include seating and draping patients, exposing and developing dental radiographs when State certified, setting up dental instruments, and ensuring that all equipment is in proper working condition. Cleans and disinfects operatory before each patient is seated; sterilizes and disinfects all instruments between patients, or as appropriate. Assists Dentist In The Chairside Care Of Dental Patients Aspiration of oral cavity Adjustment of equipment and light source Spraying of air and water in the oral cavity Mixing dental materials and cements Handing and receiving dental instruments Performs all expanded duties permitted by State Law Other related chairside duties A risks assessment (completed during each exam, average 3 per patient per year). Complete appropriate form to determine patient outcome (during risk assessment review). Instructing patient and guardian during each visit to ensure they understand the importance of following the treatment plan and proper oral health guidelines. Monthly review of patient plans to monitor progress. Monthly review of operating procedures and track overall oral health successes. Implement changes as needed to help improve clinic efficiency. Use of intraoral camera to assess and diagnose oral health problems in a more efficient manner. Helps patients sign in, administer pre-appointment questionnaires and assists patient with referrals follow up. Utilizes skills in tooth polishing, topical fluoride application, and oral hygiene instructions in accordance with department policy and State Law for all new and recall patients. Maintains patient dental records according to department policy, reviews medical charts, demonstrates job knowledge of dental procedures and is familiar with names and uses of instruments. Maintains current knowledge of techniques and procedures. Completes all required patient charting accurately. Maintains appropriate inventory as directed by the Dentist. Maintains required paperwork, including reviewing encounter forms for completeness; submits clinic reports on time to meet scheduled deadlines. Submits travel, invoices or receives in MFMP in accordance to FS 215.422 Prompt Payment Statute. This is an in-office position. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to prepare, sterilize, and maintain dental instruments and equipment. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to communicate effectively and work well with others. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Experience using dental software. Ability to interact professionally with other DOH staff and the public and provide excellent customer service. Ability to accurately document patient records. Qualifications Minimum – Valid FL Dental Assistant Certification. Preferred – Bi-lingual. 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: Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Responsiveness, Excellence. Work Location Fort Pierce, Florida. Benefits Working for the State of Florida offers benefits for OPS employees, including: State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (mandatory) Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements; consult with People First or serving HR) 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, visit Application and Compliance Please be advised: Your responses to qualifying questions must be verifiable by documentation 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. You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) to conduct this background check. Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions. Other important information: All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. 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 must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace and conducts reasonable suspicion drug testing as applicable. Veterans programs and related accommodations are described in the posting. The Form I-9 and E-Verify verification process will be used for employment eligibility. Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days. #J-18808-Ljbffr