OPS DENTAL ASSISTANT - 64908210 1

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Job Posting Category:  Open Competitive

Your Specific Responsibilities:

The OPS Dental Assistant is expected to work 32-40 hours per week.

Under the direction of the supervising dentist and/or dental clinic manager, the Dental Assistant supports delivery of high-quality, patient-centered oral health services within the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County (DOH-Charlotte). This role performs chairside assisting, infection prevention and control, radiography, sterilization, operatory preparation/turnover, patient flow coordination, health education, and administrative support to ensure safe, efficient, and equitable access to care for all patients. Duties are carried out in accordance with Chapter 466, Florida Statutes and applicable Florida Board of Dentistry rules, DOH policies and procedures, and recognized clinical standards of practice. The position reports directly to the Public Health Services Manager B-SES.

Clinical Support

• Prepare, seat, and dismiss patients; verify medical/dental histories, allergies, and chief complaint.
• Provide chairside assisting for exams, prophylaxis, fillings, extractions, sealants, fluoride, and other approved procedures.
• Place and remove dental materials (e.g., matrix bands, liners) and perform expanded functions as authorized by Florida law and per verified certifications.
• Take, process, and mount dental radiographs (digital/film) in compliance with safety standards and radiography certification requirements.
• Perform dental charting, record treatment notes, and update EHR/EMR accurately and promptly.
• Educate patients/parents/guardians on oral hygiene, disease prevention, post-op care, and community resources.
• Coordinate and perform duties within the Dental Sealant Program, including traveling to various program sites (e.g., schools or community centers) to provide preventative care.

Infection Prevention & Sterilization

• Adhere to infection control protocols including universal precautions, PPE use, instrument sterilization (autoclave), operatory turnover, and waterline maintenance.
• Conduct daily/weekly sterilization monitoring and documentation per clinic policy and manufacturer instructions.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe clinical environment.

Clinic Operations & Patient Flow

• Set up/break down operatories, trays, and materials for scheduled procedures.
• Manage patient flow to minimize wait times and maintain schedule integrity.
• Assist with triage, emergency patients, and urgent situations under clinician direction.
• Support inventory control: order, stock, and rotate supplies; track lot numbers/expirations.

Administrative & Outreach

• Perform appointment scheduling, patient registration, forms completion, and benefits/eligibility support as assigned.
• Maintain accurate logs (sterilization, QA/QI, X-ray exposure, equipment maintenance).
• Support school-based sealant programs, mobile/field clinics, and community outreach events (as assigned).
• Participate in quality improvement (QI), risk management, safety drills, and performance audits.

Compliance, Safety & Standards

• Follow all DOH policies, HIPAA, privacy/security, and patient confidentiality standards.
• Comply with Florida Statutes, Board of Dentistry rules, OSHA, CDC infection control guidelines, and radiation safety procedures.
• Report incidents, hazards, and equipment issues promptly; contribute to corrective actions.

Other Duties:

• Attend mandatory DOH trainings and meetings.
• Enter hours worked timely and accurately in People First and HMS Employee Activity Records (EARs).
• Complete mandatory Continuing Education (CE) requirements to maintain certifications and keep abreast of state dentistry regulations.
• Assist with the setup and breakdown of portable dental equipment for the Sealant Program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Statutes, Rules and Regulations that pertain to the program
• Knowledge of dental procedures, terminology, instruments, materials, infection control, and sterilization practices
• Skill in chairside assisting, four-handed dentistry, radiography, impression taking, and dental charting
• Proficiency with dental EHR/EMR, digital imaging systems, and basic office software
• Strong communication and customer service; compassionate, trauma-informed, and culturally competent care
• Ability to prioritize, multitask in a fast-paced clinic, and maintain accuracy with documentation
• Reliability, punctuality, and teamwork; able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to work well with others and contribute to a positive team environment
• Commitment to public health values, equity, and continuous improvement
• Ability to work with children
• Ability to handle and maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism
• Ability to interact professionally with other DOH staff and the public and provide excellent customer service
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients and dental staff
• Ability to transport equipment and adapt to different work environments (clinics, schools

Qualifications:

• A valid Florida driver’s license (or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire) is required.
• Certification in Dental Radiography is required.
• Certification in Expanded Duties is required.
• Current BLS/CPR certification through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross is required.
• Must be willing to physically come in the office daily and perform field work.

Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:

Mission:

To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

Vision:

To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.

Values:

I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.

C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.

A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.

R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.

E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.

Where You Will Work:

Port Charlotte, FL

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. As an OPS employee, the benefits below are available:

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (mandatory)
• Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements.  Consult with People First and/or the serving HR office)
• Workers’ Compensation (mandatory, if needed)
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) (mandatory, if needed)
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)
• Employee Assistance Program (voluntary)
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Please be advised:

Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.  

This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov 

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida.  Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement. 

The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system.  E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.   

Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.

All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.  

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. 

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. 

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. 

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women.  The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise.  Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country. 

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.