Expanded Function Dental Assistant

Position Title: Expanded Duties Dental Assistant (EDDA)/ Effective Date: 2/25/2021 Reports To: Owner/Dentist or Clinical Director Status: Non-exempt, Regular, “At-will” Work Status, Full-time WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Standing 90%.
Sitting 10%.
Moderate noise levels from dental and other lab equipment.
Medical, office, and lab setting.
Minimum lifting requirements of 35 pounds in order to transfer equipment and pack and unpack supplies.
Frequent bending, twisting, and position changes in order to examine and service patients.
Exceptional hand-eye coordination and control in order to use dental implements for exams, to provide dentist assistance, mix and/or place materials on dental tools, products, and in mouths.
Frequent client and inter-office personnel interaction as this position is chair-side to the dentist and heavily dependent on excellent customer interaction.
Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer) as required for mixing and placing materials on tools and in mouths.
POSITION SUMMARY: Under direct and indirect supervision, the Expanded Duties Dental Assistant or Expanded Function Dental Assistant works chair-side with the dentist in the office and in the dental laboratory.
Provide patient and practice support services including, but not limited to, personal assistance, medical attention, and emotional support.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Manage dental and medical emergencies according to OSHA and office procedures including: Maintain CPR certification.
Maintain emergency drug and oxygen supply.
Maintain the Emergency telephone directory.
When assigned or if the dentist is unavailable and to relieve patient discomfort, EDDA will re-cement a temporary or permanent crown with temporary cement and schedule a follow-up appointment with the dentist.
Preliminarily fit and finish composite/amalgam restorations.
Use a slow-speed hand-piece if needed.
Fabricate temporary crowns that satisfy office standards for appearance and quality.
Provide diagnostic information by exposing radiographic studies, pouring, trimming, and polishing study casts to lab and office standards.
Fabricate temporary restorations, clean and polish removable appliances.
Timely prepare the treatment area by sterilizing, positioning, and delivering instruments for dentist’s access.
Actively provide suctioning and hand instruments to dentists, as needed, during exams and procedures in order to help maintain patient comfort and Dentist’s efficiency.
Select, mix, and place materials on instruments and in the patient’s mouth, as needed.
Manage asepsis, infection, using and maintaining hazard control protocols as established by OSHA and office standards.
Must always represent the practice in a professional, pleasant, and cooperative manner.
Maintain regular attendance and adhere to assigned work schedules and office policies.
Must be able to comfortably and efficiently handle multiple deadlines and task assignments.
Must be able to work both independently and cooperatively in team settings.
Occasionally there may be some travel, by car or plane, required in order to participate in continuing education or seminars.
Must be able to memorize and effectively deliver scripts as appropriate, both over the phone and in person.
Other duties and tasks, as assigned periodically.
SUCCESS FACTORS Always maintain the highest level of confidentiality to HIPAA standards.
Adhere to strict safety guidelines and procedures to OSHA and office standards.
Must be comfortable seeing and able to maintain a professional demeanor and attitude while working around blood and unpleasant smells.
Must be detail-oriented in order to work efficiently in small spaces and maintain patient comfort.
Must be flexible and understand that job duties may change from time to time and that this individual may be asked to assist in other areas of the office.
Must excel in forward-thinking in order to anticipate the needs of the doctor as well as the patient.
Must demonstrate active listening by giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Must demonstrate good reading comprehension by understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Must demonstrate excellent communication skills by talking to others to convey information effectively.
Equipment Maintenance - performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION Post-Secondary Certificate awarded for training completed after high school EDDA or EFDA license.