DENTAL ASSISTANT

Requisition No: 866234

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: DENTAL ASSISTANT - 64003033

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64003033

Salary: 31,200.00 - 37,440.00

Posting Closing Date: 12/18/2025

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Open Competitive

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This is a Dental Assistant position that will provide direct patient care services in the dental program for the Florida Department of Health in Desoto County (DOH—DeSoto) under the direct supervision of the Dental Executive Director.

The incumbent, an employee of the Florida Department of Health – DeSoto County, represents the agency and its mission and values. The incumbent is part of the organization and is expected to promote cooperation, courtesy and teamwork in a diverse environment. The Dental Assistant performs specialized assisting techniques as well as maintaining dental records and coordinating patient dental treatment which requires independent decision-making. The employee must maintain current work knowledge and skills based on the DOH-DeSoto programs and policies. This position is classified as a sensitive position. Incumbent handles protected health information on a need-to-know basis following Department of Health Information Security and Privacy Policy and procedures.

Assists dentist at chair side by preparing operatories for procedures: seats patients; prepares various tray set-ups; mixes dental materials; cleans work areas; loads anesthesia carpules for injectionsperforms routine laboratory procedures; utilizes cold sterile and autoclave methods for instruments; adheres to local and state regulations regarding disposal of blood borne pathogen materials; charts information from oral examination on forms in the patient's dental record; provides information to the patient such as pre-op and post-op instructions; supplies dentist instruments and materials needed to perform procedures. Performs routine preventive maintenance and cleaning of instruments and equipment including central vacuum/air/water units, cabinets and lavatories. Lubricates hand pieces on a routine basis.

Performs registration functions. Interviews clients to determine pay category, using mandated guidelines to assign appropriate sliding fee scale. Inputs and updates pertinent information including insurance status, if applicable, into the computerized system following set procedures. Utilizes FLMMIS to ascertain insurance eligibility and performs tasks according to type of insurance category. Effectively conducts clinic and supplies clinician with accurate intake data making changes as necessary. Provides and ensures completeness of required intake forms, including HIPAA forms and inputs information in computerized system. Acts as front desk receptionist on a daily basis which includes initial screening of clients to determine needs to establish public health services and set up medical/other appointments.

Under delegated order of the dentist, performs all expanded functions as allowed by law and completion of accredited training; taking impressions for study casts, placing periodontal dressings, removing periodontal or surgical dressings, removing sutures, placing and/or removing rubber dams, placing or removing matrices, placing or removing temporary restorations, applying cavity liners, varnishes, or bases; polishing amalgam restorations; polishing clinical crowns of the teeth for the purpose of removing stains; obtaining bacteriological cytogical specimens; application of sealants for the prevention of decay.

Efficiently perform four-handed dentistry in the delivery of dental care including dental prophylaxis and hygiene, material preparation and presentation of appropriate dental instruments. Also, under the supervision of the Dentist, will perform expanded duty dental functions in accordance with all relevant Federal, State and professional standards. The duties extend to accurate dental charting and treatment plan interpretation in a timely manner utilizing the appropriate forms and documentation standards.

Be proficient in the use of dental computer software. Must enter documentation in Dentrix, Dexis and HMS programs. Must be able to discuss present treatment and future dental treatment with the patient. Also, responsible for making appointments while maintaining a workable daily schedule. Assure all documentation is present in chart, to include but not limited to updated health history, HIPPA forms, registration forms etc. Schedule clients for appointments re; final impressions, wax bites, Try-ins, and delivery of product. Copy invoices for dental record of service. Appropriately interact with patients and guardians to include greeting, seating, educating and discussion of treatment plan.

Package and mail all dental cases to the dental lab. Open received packages from the dental lab verify contents. Verify contents are correct with no issues with product. Inventory all dental supplies ordering supplies needed for dental operations for the DOH-Dental and School Health Dental program. Verify orders and restock dental supply shelves; Review weekly dental reports attesting accuracy; Verify oxygen levels in tanks and initial when verified.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

Statutes, and Rules and Regulations that pertain to the programs. The incumbent in this position is considered to have regulatory responsibilities and is subject to provisions of Chapter 60K-15, Career Service System Rules.

Skills:

Use of equipment and supplies related to the position;

Ability to:

Lead People: Motivate, provide constructive feedback, positive recognition, and organize activities to improve the team skills and performance;

Manage Processes: Integrate and effectively utilize all components of the strategic planning process to help DOH-DeSoto achieve its vision. Appropriately assesses and allocates resources (financial, human, equipment and supplies) develop, implement and evaluate business plans;

Human Relations: Work with others in a professional, considerate and helpful manner. Projects a positive image of DOH-DeSoto and self;

Initiative: Be self-confident, motivated, and enthusiastic drive to perform current job duties and undertake duties of greater responsibility;

Responsive to Direction: Take and give direction; accept and deliver constructive criticism; and respond and implement suggestions for improvement;

Flexibility: Accommodate changing situations or plans for satisfactory performance of the job. Able to change easily from one task to another;

Technology: Navigate the Internet, use office suite and assorted software, and use of technology equipment;

Communication (Oral & Written): Takes the initiative to communicate accurate, up-to-date plans and information to subordinates, peers, and management. Expresses thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. Listens and understands the views of others;

Creative Thinking: Develops new insights into situations and applies innovative solutions to make organizational improvements; designs and implements new or cutting-edge programs/processes;

Team Building: Inspires, motivates, and guides others toward goal accomplishments. Consistently develops and sustains cooperative working relationships. Encourages and facilitates cooperation within the organization and with customer groups; fosters commitment, team spirit, pride, trust. Develops leadership in others through coaching, mentoring, rewarding and guiding employees;

Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, cooperation, concern, and politeness to others; relates well to different people from varied backgrounds and different situations;

Customer Service: Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing excellence in products and services.

Time Management: Manages a variety of responsibilities in a timely, efficient manner and is able to prioritize tasks.

Qualifications:

• Incumbent must possess a valid Florida Driver License or the ability to obtain one prior to hire.
• Basic Microsoft applications computer skills.
• Maintain performance of Dental Assistant, Expanded Functions per Florida Statue 466.024
• High School Diploma

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:

Arcadia - Florida

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions

• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

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.

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.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.