Dental Assistant Tampa Bay, FL

Primary Purpose

Provides hands‑on support to students, residents, and faculty in the assigned clinic(s); prepares patients for dental treatments and sets up operatories. May sterilize instruments.

• Provides chairside assistance for students, residents, and faculty in designated clinics.
• Plans the set‑up of the operatories, instruments, and materials according to scheduled procedures.
• Takes and processes digital x-rays and dental impressions.
• Assists with obtaining documents of patients’ dental history as well as overall health and medication history.
• Maintains operatories according to proper infection control protocols to ensure adherence to OSHA and infection control regulations.
• Enters data/patient information into electronic health record systems.
• Monitors inventory of dental supplies.
• May monitor oral sedation or general anesthesia procedures.
• May provide postoperative instructions as directed by the dentist.
• May assist with sterilization and dispensing of instruments.
• Completes special projects as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

• Knowledge
  • General knowledge of infection control and OSHA protocols.
  • Customer and personal service principles.
  • Knowledge of sterile techniques and special procedures applicable to work performed.
  • Knowledge of inventory management practices.
  • Knowledge of four‑handed dentistry.
  • Proficient knowledge of x‑ray techniques.
  • Understanding of HIPAA.
  • Proficient knowledge of MS Office Suite.
• Skills
  • Service orientation and proactive customer help.
  • Complex problem solving.
  • Judgment and decision making.
  • Time management.
  • Active listening.
  • Effective speaking.
• Abilities
  • Manual dexterity with precise movements.
  • Oral comprehension and expression.
  • Problem sensitivity.
  • Detail oriented.
  • Confidentiality.
  • Multi‑tasking in a fast‑paced environment.
  • Willingness to provide coverage in other areas/facilities.
• Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
  • May be exposed to sharp instruments, disposable gloves, and PPE.
  • Speech recognition and clarity required.
  • Near vision required.
  • Travel on a daily/overnight basis.
  • Possible nights or weekends.
  • Short, intermittent, and/or prolonged sitting and/or standing.
  • Use of equipment such as syringes, latex gloves, pens, pencils, and keyboards.

None required.

High School Diploma or Equivalent.

• Level I – High School Diploma and 1–2 years of experience as a Dental Assistant or completion of an AA Dental Assisting Program.
• Level II – High School Diploma and 2–4 years of experience, or AA program completion and 1+ years of experience.
• Level III – High School Diploma and 4+ years of experience, or AA program completion and 2+ years of experience, or a Hygiene or Dental degree.

• Expanded Duties Certificate.
• Radiology Certificate or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Experience using an electronic health record system and dental terminology, preferably Axium dental software.

Yes.

Nova Southeastern University is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate with regard to applicants or employees with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodations when necessary.

NSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status or any other legally protected status.