Job Title: Dental Assistant
Location: Orlando VA Healthcare System – Multiple Clinics
Employment Type: Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)
Schedule: Rotating shifts between 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM, including weekends and holidays if needed.

Position Summary

The Dental Assistant provides chairside assistance to dentists and supports patient care, imaging, sterilization, administrative tasks, and patient education in the dental clinic setting.

Key Responsibilities

Chairside Assisting

• Prepare dental operatories and surgical suites

• Pass instruments efficiently during procedures

• Maintain clear operative fields and retract tissue

• Prepare dental materials and medicaments

• Assist in general and specialized dental procedures

Dental Imaging

• Take diagnostic dental radiographs

• Apply dental imaging safety protocols

• Ensure high-quality images and minimize retakes

Infection Control

• Set up and break down treatment rooms

• Sterilize dental instruments according to standards

• Follow infection control protocols

Clerical Duties

• Assist with scheduling appointments

• Maintain patient records and treatment documentation

• Help manage cancellations and schedule gaps

Patient Care

• Monitor patient condition during treatment

• Provide post-operative instructions

• Support patient identification and safety protocols

Laboratory Duties

• Pour dental impressions

• Prepare study models

• Assist with denture trays and bite rims

Dental assistants also help maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and safety standards.

Required Qualifications

• Completion of a CODA-accredited Dental Assistant program (minimum 1 year)

• Minimum 1 year of Dental Assistant experience

• Dental Radiology Certification

• Current BLS or CPR certification

• Valid Tuberculosis (TB) test

• Ability to assist in specialty procedures such as:

  • Oral surgery

  • Endodontics

  • Periodontics

  • Prosthodontics

  • Implant placement/restoration