Community Action Committee of Pike County

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA)

An EFDA is a highly trained and skilled dental assistant or hygienist permitted to provide efficient, high quality preventive and restorative treatment. A Valley View EFDA helps the schedule be more flexible, freeing the dentist to complete more complex cases and emergencies. They work together as a productive, efficient team. Acts as the clinic lead; assisting the team with patient care, office, and laboratory duties. The EFDA ensures patients are well cared for, happy and satisfied.

Responsibilities, Deliverables, Outcomes and Expectations

• Ensure all patients enjoy a positive experience, and are treated with the care and compassion expected.

• Works as part of a team; coordinating patient flow with dental and patient access staff.

• Collect and record pertinent patient health information and vital signs.

• A licensed dentist may assign to an expanded functions dental auxiliary, under their direct supervision and full responsibility, allowable tasks and procedures, as set forth by the Ohio State Dental Board; basic remediable intra-oral dental tasks/procedures, advanced remediable intra-oral dental tasks/procedures, and all task/procedures involved in the art or placement of preventive or restorative materials limited to the following: placement of pit and fissure sealants, amalgam restorative materials, and non-metallic restorative materials; including direct bonded restorative materials.

• Assists the dentist chairside by organizing and preparing instruments for dentist’s use and assists with providing comprehensive dental care to VVHC patients, using 4-handed dentistry technique.

• Ensures all tasks provided and associated with patient care, patient administrative processes, and related duties comply with regulatory standards, as well as VVHC clinic policies and procedures.

• Documents completed dental services in the patient record and record’s next instructions.

• Maintains minimum productivity standards set forth by employment agreement.

• Prepare and maintain dental materials, supplies, and instruments, including disinfecting and sterilizing instruments and handpieces according to CDC/clinic policy.

• Prepare, maintain, clean/disinfect the dental clinic, equipment, and instruments in compliance with, OSHA, CDC, and clinic regulations, including, but not limited to; removal of biohazard waste, clean/lubricate, and sterilize instruments and arrange for use: operatories, sterilization area, and laboratory.

• Maintain optimal operation of equipment, including but not limited to; handpieces, radiographic equipment, sterilizers, ultrasonic cleaner, water distiller, amalgam separator, and the central evacuation system (pump/compressor).

• Maintains stock of dental supplies, including, but not limited to; stocking operatories, review/put away supply order, add to and submit supply order.

• Educates patients by providing post-operative instructions.

• Follows through with post-visit responsibilities.

• Participates in the daily morning huddle.

• Evaluates the EFDA schedule and works closely with the Patient Access staff to make sure appointments are filled.

• As needed, completes patient referrals, both internal and external.

• Assists with telephone triage, knowledgeable in differentiating between true dental emergencies and routine treatment.

• Maintains the physical condition of the dental clinic and the dental instruments/equipment.

• As needed, may prepare treatment plans, treatment cost estimates, and present to patient for review.

• May prepare and confirm outgoing lab work and notify patients for follow-up.

• Provide oversight, leadership and mentorship to new/fellow dental assistants; leading by example and building efficiency in patient work flow.

• Act as the clinic lead, oversee daily operations of the clinic and apply supervisory skills as needed when the Director of Dental Operations is not available.

• Maintains patient confidentiality

Minimum Requirements…

High School Diploma or equivalent

Completion of an EFDA program offered by an educational institution accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation or the higher learning commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Preference given to individuals with prior dental experience and/or FQHC dental program(s).

Prior experience with electronic dental health records and digital radiography

Current/active registration as an Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary with the Ohio State Dental Board.

Current/Active Dental Assistant Radiographer’s Certificate through the Ohio State Dental Board.

Current certified dental assistant either through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) or a Certified Ohio Dental Assistant (CODA).

Current certification in nitrous oxide-oxygen (N2O-O2) minimal sedation monitoring.

Successful completion of a course approved by the state dental board in the identification and prevention of potential medical emergencies.

Current healthcare provider CPR and AED certification through the American Heart Association.

Completion of a query of the Office of Inspector General (OIG)

Verification of Health/Fit for Duty, including physical and mental health status and any impairment that may interfere with the safe and effective provision of care permitted under the requested clinical privileges of the position.

Three professional letters of recommendation.

Proof of Hepatitis B immunity, including a copy of immunization record showing HBV series or documentation stating immunity.

Preference given to individuals who have successfully completed a dental sealant placement course and hold a certificate from the OSDB.

Preference given to individuals holding a coronal polishing certificate from OSDB.