Provides hands-on dental care and chairside assistance to dentists across various patient populations. Manages operatory preparation, sterilization protocols, and the maintenance of dental instruments and supplies.
Requirements summary
Requires graduation from an EFDA program and certifications in CPR/AED, DANB Radiation and Safety, and the State Board of Dentistry EFDA exam. A minimum of 2 years of experience as a dental assistant is preferred, and bilingual Spanish skills are desired.
PHMC serves as both a direct service provider to individuals, families, and communities across the region and as an intermediary agent — managing large-scale contracts, government and philanthropic partnerships, and multidisciplinary initiatives that require operational sophistication, strategic leadership, and deep mission alignment.
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
Pediatric (birth – 19 yrs)
Adult (19 – 64 yrs)
Geriatric (65 yrs & older)
Nonage Specific Task (N/A) Population
Bariatric
Patients: BMI greater than 40, or greater than 35 with weight-related comorbidities
Patient with exceptional communication needs
Patient with developmental delays
Patient at the end of life
Patient under isolation precautions
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 the patient in a 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 follows 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 a 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 the 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, Whistleblowers, and Conflict of Interest Policies.
Keeps abreast of all pertinent federal, state, and PHMC regulations, laws, and policies as they presently exist. Whistleblowers, anger, 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 satisfy each essential duty. 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 the 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 the 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
Minimum of 2 years as a dental assistant preferred
Education
Current CPR/AED certification
Graduate from an EFDA assisting program at a two-year college or complete a state-accredited certification EFDA program
National DANB Radiation and Safety exam Certificate of Completion
State Board of Dentistry EFDA exam Certification of a state-accredited 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,h or crawl under 1/3 of the time, talk or hear over 2/3 of the time. Position requires lifting 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 at ients, and standing and/or walking for most of 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
