POSITION SUMMARY The Floater Assistant supports clinical and operational workflow across the entire practice not only assigned to a single chair or station. This role assists the dental hygienist with radiographs and charting, owns instrument sterilization and infection control workflow, supports chairside assistants during procedures, and provides administrative or front office coverage as needed. This is the role that keeps the practice moving. The person in it develops a working understanding of every function in the office, which makes it an unusually strong foundation for growth into a specialized clinical or administrative track.
FLOATER ASSISTANT
Better Health Dental - Decatur, GA
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Hygiene Support
- Assist the Registered Dental Hygienist with exposure of dental radiographs under the direct supervision of the dentist
- Enter and maintain accurate patient charting during hygiene appointments
- Prepare and turn over hygiene operatories between patients
- Support patient flow so hygiene appointments stay on schedule
Sterilization and Infection Control
- Process, sterilize, package, and store all instruments per practice protocol and OSHA standards
- Maintain sterilization logs and complete required spore testing on schedule
- Monitor and restock sterilization supplies
- Maintain compliance with all infection control procedures
Chairside Support
- Assist chairside assistants during restorative and surgical procedures as needed
- Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, and materials in advance of scheduled procedures
- Provide four-handed assistance including suction, instrument transfer, and material preparation
- Break down, disinfect, and restock operatories following procedures
General Practice Support
- Provide front office and administrative coverage as needed, including answering phones, greeting patients, and appointment confirmation
- Restock clinical and administrative supplies throughout the practice
- Support opening and closing procedures
- Step into whatever function the day requires, with flexibility and initiative
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Current CPR/BLS certification, or willingness to obtain prior to start
- Georgia dental radiology certification, OR willingness to complete a Georgia Board-approved radiation safety course within 90 days of hire. Per Georgia requirements, training must begin within 30 days of employment and be completed within 90 days. The practice will support this certification.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and assist with patient positioning
- Reliable attendance and punctuality
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Prior dental assisting experience in a general practice setting
- Familiarity with dental practice management software
- Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA) status under Georgia Board of Dentistry requirements
- Experience with digital radiography systems
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- Genuine flexibility. This role changes shape depending on what the day needs. The right person finds that energizing rather than frustrating.
- A sense of ownership over the whole practice rather than one station.
- Strong communication with patients, clinical staff, and administrative team alike.
- Attention to detail, particularly in sterilization and charting where accuracy is not optional.
- Willingness to learn. Dental experience is welcomed, but the right attitude matters more.
COMPLIANCE AND CONDUCT
- Maintain strict patient confidentiality in full compliance with HIPAA at all times
- Complete practice HIPAA and OSHA training prior to or within the first week of employment, and annually thereafter
- Follow all infection control, sterilization, and safety protocols without exception
- Maintain professional appearance and conduct consistent with practice standards
COMPENSATION AND SCHEDULE
Position type: Full Time
Schedule: 32 hour per week
Compensation: $22 per hour
Reports to:
Office Manager, Jaleesa Hall Clinical direction: Dr. Sharifa Walker, DDS
Better Health Dental is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Better Health Dental
127 E. Trinity Pl, Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 446-2776
betterhealthdental.com