Lead Dental Assistant

Job Summary

Advanced Responsibility Dental Assistant Role in which the individual is responsible for coordinating clinical operations to ensure the assigned dentist’s practice or dental program efficiency, as well as for the clinical dental assisting duties listed in Florida Statutes 466 and Administrative Rules 64B-5. Responsibilities include screening and preparing patients for treatment, assisting providers, educating patients, processing instruments, and ensuring compliance with HIPAA, CDC, and OSHA standards.

The role supports continual training of dental providers and patients and may operate in a clinical setting, mobile unit, school‑based programs, health fairs, or medical‑dental integration program. Additional duties can include sterilization technician tasks, dental assisting at levels 1 & 2, dental practice management, and collaboration with the assigned dentist and dental director.

• High School diploma or GED.
• Dental Assistant Diploma or Certificate of Completion from an accredited school, including dental radiology.
• Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Certificate (EFDA).
• Current BLS certificate from an accredited AHA or American Red Cross provider.
• Minimum 3 years of dental assistant experience.
• Nitrous Oxide Analgesia Certification.
• Valid Florida driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Experience working with children and comfortable with patients of all ages.
• Experience with underserved populations and ability to relate to diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to coordinate care with the team.
• Strong emotional intelligence and adaptability in stressful situations.
• Knowledge of dental terminology, policies, and procedures; demonstrates professional code of conduct.
• Effective time‑management, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Manual dexterity for specialized equipment (e.g., prophylaxis handpiece).
• Competent in general office skills including Microsoft Office, EHR (e.g., eCW), fax, telephone, and copier.
• Spanish language skills a plus.

• Identify patients using double identifiers (name and birth date).
• Document patients’ chief complaints in their own words.
• Collect and record medical history, medications, allergies, surgeries, hospitalizations, and social/dental history.
• Record vital signs (BP, pulse, temperature, glucose, height, weight).
• Operate and take diagnostic X‑rays as prescribed by the dentist.
• Handle instruments—cleaning, oiling, bagging, sterilization, and re‑circulation following OSHA & CDC standards.
• Assist in patient education regarding oral hygiene, treatment plans, and consent documentation.
• Assist the dentist with 4‑handed dentistry, suction, material handling, and instrument transfer.
• Monitor nitrous oxide analgesia administration.
• Perform operatory disinfection before and after procedures.
• Record accurate dental charting of restorations, caries, and planned work.
• Record periodontal charting for patients over 18.
• Assist with dental exam and procedure documentation; close procedure codes at visit end.
• Present treatment plans and obtain patient or parent signatures.
• Perform preventative treatment such as polishing, flossing, sealant, and fluoride placement.
• Provide post‑operative patient education.
• Prepare, scan, and fax referrals, medical clearance, and needed forms.
• Ensure provider schedule meets template and assists with scheduling.
• Explain consent forms and obtain necessary signatures.
• Proactively support office efficiency through patient scheduling assistance.
• Work flexibly with various providers and assistants.
• Perform post‑operative phone calls.

• Maintain inventory, monitor material supply, instrument and equipment function, and remove expired or damaged items.
• Place supply orders and organize dental supplies.
• Complete maintenance log manuals as directed by office manager and dentist.
• Oversee autoclave and ultrasonic equipment maintenance and log usage.
• Monitor AED battery and pad expiration; order replacements.
• Oversee dental lab order submission, case receipt, and tracking logs.
• Monitor nitrous oxide and oxygen supply; reorder as needed.
• Monitor amalgam separator; change filter…