DENTAL ASSISTANT

Dental Assistant - 64002240

This position works within the Dental Program at the Okaloosa County Health Department (OCHD). Work is performed in a clinical setting and entails providing direct care and assisting the public health dentist in the care of patients. This position works under the clinical supervision of the Dentist(s) and Dental Program Manager. This position provides services in a culturally competent and appropriate manner and promotes oral health and preventive health behaviors to reduce oral health disparities, unexplained different levels of health, among children. Promotes and encourages opportunities to make choices that allow children and their care givers to live a long, healthy life regardless of income, education, ethnic background or abilities. Assists the dentist during the examination and treatment of patients. Prepares patient, sets up instrument trays, prepares materials for procedures. Assists in the polishing of teeth, applies sealants and fluoride treatment to the teeth when necessary. Assists dentist in management of medical and dental emergencies. Places and removes rubber dams and matrices. Takes and records patient health histories and vital signs. Provides postoperative instruction as prescribed by the dentist. Sterilizes and disinfects instruments. Cleans and disinfects the dental operatories and workroom as necessary. Performs routine user maintenance on instruments and equipment. Completes inventory using the electronic inventory management system in Excel Submits purchase orders for dental and office supplies to the dental clinic supervisor. Provides inventory reports as required by clinic procedure. Schedules appointments for patients in the Eaglesoft database. Accurately inputs demographic, financial and third-party insurance information into the HMS and Eaglesoft databases. Inputs referral information into third party insurance web portals. Records treatment and billing information in the electronic oral health record, Eaglesoft. Maintains unmet need log. Prepares charts, graphs, reports by due date. Provides oral hygiene and plaque control dental education through discussion with patients and parents. Distributes educational material. Places and exposes dental radiographs (x-rays). Participates in scheduled clinic team meetings, performance management, quality improvement, record audits, general staff meetings and in-service training. Performs all other duties as assigned in support of the Agency's vision and mission.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to lift 50 pounds Ability to place and expose radiographs Ability to work 8-9.5 hours in a clinic setting providing direct patient care Skilled in operating a variety of dental, computer and office equipment Ability to collect data and perform data entry Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others Skill in effective communication in written, oral or electronic formats

Qualifications: Must maintain a valid U.S. Drivers' License Successful completion of Expanded Duty course or similar program in accordance with 64B5-16.002, Florida Administrative Code Certification as a Dental Radiographer pursuant to rule 64B5-9.011, Florida Administrative Code

Where You Will Work: Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County - 810 E James Lee Boulevard, Crestview, FL 32539