Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

Job Title: Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) 
Department: Operations 
Reports to: Dental Practice Manager 
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: Bartonsville, PA

Company Overview 
Smart Arches Dental Implant Centers have been created by doctors to improve the lives of the patients who entrust us with their care. We have taken the "corporate feel" that exists with big dental implant clinics and become hyper-focused on patient experience and care to drive our company. If you are passionate about helping people start over and strengthen their confidence, then Smart Arches Dental Implant Centers is a great place to call your home. Everyone involved wants to make a positive impact with the work and efforts we give—this is how we can truly make a difference. If this speaks to you, we look forward to hearing from you. 

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 
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.