Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant :

Location:

North Lauderdale (ZIP Code 33068) 100%

On-site Requirements:

Education:

High school diploma or GED equivalent. Graduation from an accredited Dental Assisting Program (preferred).

Certifications:

Florida Dental Radiography Certification (mandatory). Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) certification in Florida (mandatory).

Experience:

Minimum 1 year of experience in a dental office (pediatric experience strongly preferred). Experience with dental software (e.g., Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental) is a plus. Bilingual (English/Spanish or English/Creole) (preferred).

Responsibilities:

Greet and prepare pediatric patients for dental procedures in a calm and friendly manner. Assist pediatric dentists with chairside procedures including exams, cleanings, sealants, pulpotomies, crowns, and extractions. Take and process digital x-rays (bitewing, periapical, panoramic). Maintain and sterilize instruments and operatories according to OSHA and CDC guidelines. Provide age-appropriate education to children and parents on oral hygiene and post-operative care. Document procedures and patient interactions accurately in the dental record. Ensure infection control standards are met or exceeded. Monitor patient comfort and safety during treatment; offer support and reassurance to anxious children. Take dental impressions when needed. Manage patient flow and support front desk staff during downtime, if needed.

Soft Skills & Attributes:

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with children and parents. Compassionate, patient, and able to de-escalate nervous behavior. Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Team-oriented and proactive with a "can-do" attitude. Professional demeanor and reliability.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to stand, bend, and assist with patients for extended periods. Manual dexterity and visual acuity required for dental assisting duties. Must be able to lift or move up to 25 lbs. Preferred Additional Experience (Optional but a Plus): Nitrous monitoring certification. Knowledge of Medicaid/CHIP pediatric dental benefits. Prior work experience in community clinics or high-volume pediatric settings.