The Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) is a highly trained dental professional who provides preventive and restorative dental services under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. This role enhances clinic efficiency, improves patient access to care, and supports high-quality clinical outcomes by performing authorized expanded dental functions, assisting with chairside procedures, supporting clinic operations, and ensuring compliance with regulatory, safety, and infection control standards.
Patient Care and Operational Excellence
Estimated Effort: 70%
Ensure patients receive compassionate, high-quality dental care and a positive patient experience.
Work collaboratively with dental providers, patient access staff, and clinic team members to coordinate patient flow and care delivery.
Collect and document pertinent patient health information and vital signs.
Perform expanded dental functions as permitted by the Ohio State Dental Board, under direct supervision of a licensed dentist, including:
Basic remedial intra-oral procedures
Advanced remedial intra-oral procedures
Preventive and restorative material placement, including pit and fissure sealants
Amalgam and non-metallic restorative materials
Direct bonded restorative materials
Assist the dentist chairside by organizing and preparing instruments and supporting four-handed dentistry.
Ensure all patient care activities comply with VVHC clinical policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.
Document completed dental services in the patient record and record next-visit instructions.
Maintain required productivity standards as outlined in the employment agreement.
Prepare, maintain, and manage dental materials, supplies, and instruments, including proper disinfection and sterilization in compliance with CDC and clinical policies.
Clean, disinfect, and maintain dental clinic equipment and workspaces in compliance with OSHA, CDC, and clinic regulations, including operatories, sterilization areas, and laboratory spaces.
Maintain proper operation of dental equipment including sterilizers, ultrasonic cleaners, water distillers, radiographic equipment, and amalgam separators.
Monitor and maintain dental supply inventory, including stocking operatories and submitting supply orders.
Educate patients on post-operative care and oral health instructions.
Complete post-visit responsibilities and follow-up as required.
Administrative and Clerical Support
Estimated Effort: 20%
Participate in daily clinic huddles and team communication activities.
Evaluate EFDA schedules and collaborate with Patient Access staff to ensure appointments are filled and clinic capacity is optimized.
Complete patient referrals, both internal and external, as needed.
Assist with telephone triage, including distinguishing between true dental emergencies and routine care needs.
Maintain the physical condition of the dental clinic, instruments, and equipment.
Prepare treatment plans and cost estimates and review them with patients when needed.
Prepare and confirm outgoing dental lab work and communicate follow-up needs to patients.
Provide oversight, leadership, and mentorship to new or lower-level dental assistants, modeling efficiency and best practices in patient workflow.
Act as clinic lead and oversee daily operations when the Director of Dental Operations is unavailable.
Maintain strict patient confidentiality at all times.
Service and Other Responsibilities
Estimated Effort: 10%
Participate in agency committees, work groups, and service teams as assigned.
Demonstrate commitment to CAC’s mission by promoting access to high-quality oral health services.
Perform other duties as assigned to support clinic operations and patient care.
Minimum Requirements
Education:
High School Diploma or equivalent
Completion of an Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) program accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or an institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Job-Related Experience:
Preference given to individuals with prior dental experience and/or experience in an FQHC dental program
Prior experience with electronic dental health records and digital radiography preferred
Licenses, Certifications, and Accreditations:
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 certification as a dental assistant through DANB or as a Certified Ohio Dental Assistant (CODA)
Current Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen (N2O-O2) minimal sedation monitoring certification
Completion of a state-approved course in identification and prevention of potential medical emergencies
Current Healthcare Provider CPR and AED certification through the American Heart Association
Direct Patient Care Requirements
Verification of licensure, registration, and certification
Verification of education and training
Office of Inspector General (OIG) query clearance
Health/Fit-for-Duty verification, including physical and mental health status
Three professional letters of recommendation
Current BLS/CPR certification
Proof of Hepatitis B immunity or documented declination
Preferred Qualifications
Completion of a dental sealant placement course with certification from the Ohio State Dental Board
Current coronal polishing certification through the Ohio State Dental Board
Working Conditions
This position operates in a well-lighted clinical environment and may require occasional travel between VVHC dental clinic locations (up to 25%). Duties require frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, crouching, and fine motor use of hands and fingers. The role requires close vision, clear verbal and written communication, and the ability to lift up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 25 pounds occasionally. Work is fast-paced and patient-facing.