Dental Assistant Tampa Bay, FL

Position: Dental Assistant - 991529 (Tampa Bay, FL)

Primary Purpose

Provides hands‑on support to students, residents, and faculty in assigned clinic(s). Prepares patients for dental treatments and sets up operatories. May sterilize instruments.

Job Category: Non‑Exempt

Pay Basis: Hourly

Essential Job Functions

• Provides chairside assistance for students, residents, and faculty in designated clinics.
• Plans the set‑up of the operatories, instruments, and materials according to scheduled procedures.
• Takes and processes digital X‑rays and dental impressions.
• Assists with obtaining patients’ dental and overall medical histories.
• Maintains operatories according to infection control protocols to ensure adherence to OSHA and infection control regulations.
• Enters data/patient information into electronic health record systems.
• Monitors inventory of dental supplies.
• May monitor oral sedation or general anesthesia procedures.
• May provide postoperative instructions as directed by the dentist.
• May assist with sterilization and dispensing of instruments.
• Completes special projects as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.Job Requirements Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge:

• General knowledge and understanding of infection control and OSHA protocols.
• Customer and personal service principles and processes.
• Knowledge of sterile techniques and special procedures applicable to work performed.
• Knowledge of inventory management practices.
• Knowledge of four‑handed dentistry.
• Proficient knowledge of X‑ray techniques.
• General knowledge and understanding of HIPAA.
• Proficient knowledge of MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access).

Skills:

• Service orientation: active help seeking.
• Complex problem solving: identifying and evaluating options.
• Judgment and decision making: cost‑benefit analysis of actions.
• Time management.
• Active listening.
• Speaking: effective communication.

Abilities:

• Manual dexterity: precise hand coordination.
• Oral comprehension & expression.
• Problem sensitivity.
• Detail oriented.
• Confidentiality.
• Multi‑tasking in a fast‑paced environment.
• Willingness to provide coverage in other areas/facilities.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• May be exposed to sharp instruments, disposable gloves, and personal protective equipment.
• Speech recognition and clarity required.
• Near vision for close‑range detail work.
• Travel on a daily and/or overnight basis may be required.
• May be required to work nights or weekends.
• Exposure to intermittent or prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
• Use of various equipment/supplies (syringes, latex gloves, pens, pencils, computer keyboards).

Required Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent.

Required Experience

• Level I: High School Diploma and one to two years as a Dental Assistant or completion of an AA Dental Assisting Program.
• Level II: High School Diploma and two to four years as a Dental Assistant or completion of an AA Dental Assisting Program with at least one year experience.
• Level III: High School Diploma and four+ years as a Dental Assistant or completion of an AA Dental Assisting Program with at least two years experience, or a Hygiene/Dental degree.Preferred Qualifications
• Expanded Duties Certificate.
• Radiology Certificate or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Experience with EHR systems and dental terminology, preferably Axium.

Background Screening

Required:

Yes

The university is an equal‑opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Nova Southeastern University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and will provide reasonable accommodations when necessary.

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