Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA)

Position: Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA)

Organization: PHMC

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt  

Vaccination Requirement: All employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before their first day of employment.

Position Summary

PHMC is a recognized leader in public health, committed to providing high-quality care. Under the supervision of a Dentist, the Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) plays a vital role in delivering excellent dental care in alignment with established standards. The EFDA reports directly to the Dental Office Manager.

Essential Job Functions

The EFDA is responsible for providing hands-on dental care across various settings, ensuring the highest standards of quality, efficiency, accessibility, and responsiveness.

Key Responsibilities

- Prepare and maintain dental instruments, supplies, and equipment.

- Set up the operatory for patient visits.

- Seat patients and explain the procedures to be performed.

- Collect and record patient health histories.

- Drape patients with protective linens and prepare instrument trays with required supplies.

- Prepare dental materials, including cements, amalgams, composites, and impression materials.

- Take radiographs using conventional or digital technology while adhering to radiation safety protocols.

- Assist with dental charting and the management of dental emergencies.

- Provide active chairside assistance and support four-handed dentistry.

- Place and contour amalgam and other restorative materials.

- Perform coronal polishing and fluoride treatments, including fluoride varnish applications.

- Take impressions for study casts, athletic mouthguards, and custom trays.

- Execute laboratory procedures, such as pouring and trimming models and polishing dental prosthetics.

- Follow proper infection control protocols and prepare the operatory for the next patient.

- Help manage the dental office’s infection control plan to meet regulatory requirements.

- Monitor and document the flow of laboratory cases while maintaining the lab facility.

- Perform, monitor, and record all sterilization activities.

- Maintain proper aseptic techniques with dental equipment and sterilize instruments as needed.

- Routinely clean, disinfect, and restock operatories.

- Assist in managing patient flow within the office.

- Maintain inventory of supplies and reorder as necessary.

- Track and verify invoices.

- Complete additional duties as assigned within the dental program.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

- Exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, unpleasant odors, and loud noises.

- Moderate physical activity, including handling objects weighing up to 15-20 pounds and standing or walking for most of the day.

- Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens; OSHA training will be required.

- The work environment may involve exposure to hazardous materials and situations, requiring strict adherence to safety precautions and use of protective equipment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Technical Qualities

- Ability to maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards.

- Familiarity with dental terminology and dental science.

- Understanding of the community-based dental environment.

- Knowledge of ethical and legal standards for dental care delivery.

- Proficiency in observing, assessing, and recording symptoms, reactions, and progress.

- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a dentist.

- Commitment to continuous professional development through ongoing education programs.

- Skill in preparing dental equipment and instrumentation according to established regulations and guidelines.

Behavioral Qualities

- Ability to work effectively within a collaborative team environment.

- Constructively responds to pressure situations and deadlines.

- Values personal and departmental performance excellence.

- Adheres to office dress code and professional standards.

- Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.

Education and Licensure Requirements

- Current CPR/AED certification.

- Graduate from an EFDA assisting program at a two-year college or completion of a state-accredited EFDA certification program.

- Certificate of Completion for the National DANB Radiation and Safety exam.

- Certificate of Completion for the State Board of Dentistry EFDA exam.

- Preferred minimum of two years of experience as a dental assistant.