Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Job Title: Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA)
Department/Location: Operational
Reports to: Practice Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Direct Reports:
Company Overview
ProSmile is the fastest growing dental organization on the East Coast and has the largest network of affiliated multi-specialty dental practices in New Jersey, with an expanding footprint in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Our premier DSO is led by world class dentists who understand what highly skilled dentists and dental professionals need to grow a practice while focusing on delivering the best-in-class clinical care to their patients.
Position Summary
An Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) is a highly trained and skilled dental professional who assists dentists in providing advanced chairside support and performing additional clinical duties to enhance the efficiency and quality of dental care delivery. EFDA's have received specialized education and certification to perform expanded functions beyond the scope of traditional dental assisting, under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
Duties and Responsibilities
The duties include, but are not limited to:
- Patient Care and Chairside Assistance:
- Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, and materials for dental procedures, ensuring a clean, organized, and sterile environment.
- Assist the dentist during dental procedures, including operative, restorative, endodontic, periodontic, and oral surgery procedures, by providing chairside support and anticipating the dentist’s needs.
- Comfort and reassure patients before, during and after dental treatment, addressing their questions, concerns, and apprehensions to promote a positive dental experience.
- Expanded Function Procedures:
- Perform expanded functions authorized by state regulations and within the scope of EFDA training and certification, such as placing and contouring dental restorations (e.g., amalgam, composite fillings), placing and removing temporary crowns, and taking preliminary impressions.
- Assist with the placement and removal of periodontal dressings, dental dams, and other dental appliances as directed by the dentist.
- Administer local anesthesia, fluoride treatments, and other topical agents as allowed by state laws and dentist supervision.
- Radiography and Imaging:
- Take dental radiographs (X-rays) as directed by the dentist, following prescribed techniques and safety protocols to produce high-quality images for diagnostic purposes.
- Process and mount dental X-rays, maintain radiographic records, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for radiation safety and protection.
- Instrument Sterilization and Infection Control:
- Perform sterilization and disinfection procedures for dental instruments, equipment, and operatory surfaces according to established infection control protocols and regulatory standards.
- Monitor sterilization equipment, maintain sterilization logs, and perform biological and chemical monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of sterilization processes.
- Patient Education and Oral Health Promotion:
- Provide oral hygiene instructions, dietary counseling, and preventative care recommendations to patients to promote optimal oral health and prevent dental diseases.
- Demonstrate proper tooth brushing, flossing, and other oral hygiene techniques, using educational materials and visual aids to reinforce patient understanding and compliance.
- Administrative Support and Recordkeeping:
- Assist with patient scheduling, appointment reminders, and billing procedures as needed, using dental practice management software to maintain accurate patient records and financial transactions.
- Complete clinical charting, treatment documentation, and procedural notes accurately and promptly, in compliance with legal and professional standards.
- Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Completion of an accredited dental assisting program and attainment of state licensure or certification as a dental assistant
- Additional training and certification as an Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFSA) through an accredited program or continuing education courses.
- Knowledge of dental assisting techniques and infection control practices.
- Proficiency in dental radiography techniques and certification in dental; radiography as required by state regulations.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with patients, colleagues, and other members of the dental team.
- Attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy.
- Adherence to ethical standards, state regulations, and guidelines established by the American Dental Association (ADA) and other relevant professional organizations.
Knowledge and Skills/Expected Competencies
· Knowledge of
· Advanced knowledge of
· Proficient in understanding {fill in the blank}
[Suggested examples of competencies]
· Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information.
· Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
· Ability to clearly communicate medical information to professional practitioners and/or the general public.
· Excellent organization, prioritization, follow up, analytical and time management skills with ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
· Ability to provide guidance and training to professional and technical staff in area of expertise.
· Helpful and constructive view of working with others to achieve positive outcomes.
· Ability to develop and implement new approaches to improve processes, procedures or the general work environment.
· Ability to review critical issues, effectively solve problems and create action plans
Physical/Mental Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk and use hands and arms to operate general office equipment (PC, telephone, file cabinets, copier, fax machine and printer). The employee may occasionally lift and/or move between 10 and 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. The employee may need to travel to healthcare practices.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
The Company reserves the right to modify the job description based upon its needs and may require the employee to perform functions beyond those mentioned above. Neither this job description nor any other communication creates an employment contract between the Company and the employee.
Equal Employment
Our culture encourages individual development, embraces an inclusive environment, rewards innovative excellence, and leads in provider and patient satisfaction. ProSmile values diversity, inclusion, and equity as matters of fairness and effectiveness. We are committed to hiring and retaining a staff that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, fostering an inclusive working environment where staff of all backgrounds feel welcomed and engaged.
ProSmile is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from individuals underrepresented in the medical sector, including people of color, and persons with non-traditional work and educational experience. All who believe they meet the stated qualifications are invited to apply.
Company Safety
We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. ProSmile is committed to proactively creating and maintaining an environment that is safe for our team and patients. Employees are required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including face masks, gloves, gowns, and more as needed and in accordance with CDC standards.