Bilingual Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA)

PHMC is proud to be a leader in public health. PHMC requires that all employees are fully vaccinated with the Covid-19 vaccine before the first day of employment. 

MISSION STATEMENT:

Our Mission is to be the premier regional provider of integrated, community-based healthcare by combining evidence-based clinical practices, outstanding patient service, innovative care partnerships, and team-driven excellence, within a healthy fiscal environment.

SUMMARY JOB DESCRIPTION :

Under the supervision of a Dentist, the Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) supports the Dentist in the provision of high-quality care within the scope of service consistent with accepted standards of care for EFDA’s. The EFDA reports to the Dental Office Manager.

AGE/PATIENT POPULATIONS SERVED (Double-click on box to activate appropriate indicator)

Age of Patient Population Served
0 Pediatric (birth – 19 yrs)
0 Adult (19 – 64 yrs)
0 Geriatric (65 yrs & older)
0 Nonage Specific Task (N/A)
Population

0 Bariatric Patients: BMI greater than 40, or greater than 35 with weight related comorbidities
0 Patient with exceptional communication needs
0 Patient with developmental delays
0 Patient at the end of life
0 Patient under isolation precautions
0 All Populations

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provides hands-on dental care in a variety of settings while achieving the highest levels of appropriateness, quality, efficiency, accessibility and responsiveness.

• Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies and equipment;
• Prepares the operatory for the patient visit
• Seats patient in chair and explains procedures to be performed
• Collects and records patient health histories
• Drapes patient with protective linens; sets up instrument tray with required supplies
• Prepares dental materials, cements, amalgams, composites, impression materials, etc.
• Takes radiographs using conventional or digital technology and following radiation safety precautions
• Assists with dental charting
• Assists in the prevention and management of dental emergencies
• Manages the patient during dental procedures
• Provides active chairside assistance; transfers instruments as appropriate for four-handed dentistry
• Place and contour amalgam and other restorative materials
• perform coronal polishing
• perform fluoride treatments, including fluoride varnish
• Takes impressions for study casts, athletic mouth guards, and custom tray.
• Performs laboratory procedures, including the pouring and trimming of models; polishing dental prosthetics, and making vac-u-press forms
• At the conclusion of the procedure, follows proper infection control protocols and prepares the operatory for the next patient
• Help manage the dental office’s infection control plan to meet all regulatory requirements
• Monitors and documents the flow of laboratory cases; maintains lab facility
• Performs, monitors, and records all sterilization activities
• Maintains proper aseptic techniques necessary with dental equipment; maintains and properly sterilizes instruments
• Routinely cleans, disinfects, and restocks operatories
• Helps manage patient flow
• Maintains the inventory of supplies and reorders as necessary
• Track and verify invoices
• Performs duties within the dental program as assigned

PHMC COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Understands and adheres to PHMC compliance standards as they appear in the PHMC Code of Conduct, Whistle Blowers and Conflict of Interest Policies.
• Keeps abreast of all pertinent federal, state and PHMC regulations, laws, and policies as they presently exist and as they change or are modified.
• Comply with HIPAA and Confidentiality Policies and Procedures as they apply to the job.
• Comply with Department of Public Health (DPH), The Joint Commission and other accreditation and regulatory agencies standards.
• Adhere to all PHMC Policies and Procedures.
• Knowledge and adherence to Infection Control and Environment of Care Guidelines and Procedures as described in the annual education module.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below must be representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensure, experience, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Bilingual Spanish speaking preferred.

SKILLS:
• Able to work effectively at all levels in a collaborative team environment
• Responds constructively to pressure situations and time limits
• Places a high value on personal and departmental performance excellence
• Adheres to office dress code and standards of behavior
• Maintains patient confidentiality

EXPERIENCE:

• Ability to maintain quality, safety and/or infection control standards
• Knowledge of dental terminology and dental science
• Knowledge of community-based dental environment
• Knowledge of ethical and legal standards for the delivery of dental care
• Ability to observe, assess and record symptoms, reactions and progress
• Ability to work independently and in tandem with a dentist.
• Maintains and expands current level of dental assistant skill and knowledge by periodically attending continuing education programs.
• Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines

EDUCATION:

• Current CPR/AED certification
• Graduate from an EFDA assisting program at a two year college or completion from a state accredited certification EFDA program
• National DANB Radiation and Safety exam Certificate of Completion
• State Board of Dentistry EFDA exam Certificate of Completion
• Minimum of 2 years as a dental assistant preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Position requires standing 2/3 of the time, walking 2/3 of the time, requires sitting under 1/3 of the time, use of hands to finger, handle or feel 2/3 of the time, reach with hands and arms, under 1/3 of the time, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl under 1/3 of the time, talk or hear over 2/3 of the time. Position requires lifting up to 10 lbs. up to 1/3 of the time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, unpleasant odors and/or loud noises
• Moderate physical activity. Requires handling average-weight objects up to 15-20 pounds, assisting with patients and standing and/or walking for most the day
• Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens and will require OSHA training
• Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment

SALARY: Based on education and experience. – Pay Grade 15

PHMC is an EOE and an E-Verify Employer