OPS DENTAL ASSISTANT - 64858388

Requisition No: 882946 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: OPS DENTAL ASSISTANT - 64858388

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 64858388 

Salary:  $20.50 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 09/24/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Open Competitive

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This is a dental support position based in a multi-faceted dental care program.  Work is performed under the supervision of full-time Dentist however, direct responsibility is to any chairside dentist in the provision of patient care, and this employee shall follow instructions by the dentists to assure high quality dental care. During the absence of the Dentist, the person in this position is required to work the desk area, as well as chairside, when necessary to maintain facility operations.

Incumbent is expected to communicate (by phone or in person) in a courteous and professional manner at all times.

Seats and drapes patients, exposes and develops dental radiographs when State certified, sets up dental instruments, and ensures that all equipment is in proper working condition.  Cleans and disinfects operatory before each patient is seated; sterilizes and disinfects all instrument between patients, or as appropriate.  Additionally,

Assists dentist in the chairside care of dental patients:

• Aspiration of oral cavity
• Adjustment of equipment and light source
• Spraying of air and water in the oral cavity
• Mixing dental materials and cements
• Handing and receiving dental instruments
• Performs all expanded duties permitted by State Law
• Other related chairside duties

A risks assessment (completed during each exam, average 3 per patient per year) Complete appropriate form to determine patient outcome (during risk assessment review). Instructing patient and guardian during each visit to ensure they understand the importance of following the treatment plan and proper oral health guidelines. Monthly review of patient plans to monitor progress. Monthly review of operating procedures and track overall oral health successes. Implement changes as needed to help improve clinic efficiency. Use of intraoral camera to assess and diagnose oral health problems in a more efficient manner. Helps patients sign in, administer pre-appointment questionnaires and assists patient with referrals follow up. Utilizes skills in tooth polishing, topical fluoride application, and oral hygiene instructions in accordance with department policy and State Law for all new and recall patients.

Maintains patient dental records according to department policy, reviews medical charts, demonstrates job knowledge of dental procedures and is familiar with names and uses of instruments.  Maintains current knowledge of techniques and procedures.  Completes all required patient charting accurately. Maintains appropriate inventory as directed by the Dentist.

Maintains required paperwork, including reviewing encounter forms for completeness; submits clinic reports on time to meet scheduled deadlines. Submits travel, invoices or receives in MFMP in accordance to FS 215.422 Prompt Payment Statue (NOTE: Persistent failure to comply with this section by any agency of the state or the judicial branch shall constitute good cause for discharge of employees duly found responsible, or predominantly responsible, for failure to comply.

This is an in-office position.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

•   Ability to prepare, sterilize, and maintain dental instruments and equipment.
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and work well with others.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
  • Experience using dental software.
  • Ability to interact professionally with other DOH staff and the public and provide excellent customer service
  • Ability to accurately document patient records

Qualifications:

Minimum - Valid FL Dental Assistant Certification

Preferred-Bi-lingual

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:

Fort Pierce, Florida

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. As an OPS employee, the benefits below are available:

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (mandatory)
• Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements.  Consult with People First and/or the serving HR office)
• Workers’ Compensation (mandatory, if needed)
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) (mandatory, if needed)
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)
• Employee Assistance Program (voluntary)
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Please be advised:

Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.  

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.

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida.  Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system.  E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.

Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.

All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). 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.

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women.  The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise.  Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflect our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country. 

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.