Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA)

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. 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.
• Places and contours amalgam and other restorative materials.
• Performs coronal polishing.
• Performs 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 vacuum-press forms.
• At the conclusion of the procedure, follows proper infection control protocols and prepares the operatory for the next patient.
• Helps 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 for 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.
• Tracks and verifies 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 of an EFDA assisting program at a two-year college or complete a state-accredited EFDA certification program
• National DANB Radiation and Safety exam Certificate of Completion
• State Board of Dentistry EFDA exam certification; 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, 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 patients, 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.

PHMC is an EOE and an E-Verify Employer