The Dental Assistant provides direct patient care, including preparing treatment rooms, assisting with procedures, and performing digital radiography. They also manage patient records, maintain inventory, and ensure compliance with infection-control protocols across two clinical locations.
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Posted Job Title Dental Assistant, Preventive and Restorative Sciences - Penn Dental Medicine Job Profile Title Dental Assistant B
Summary The Dental Assistant within Penn Dental Medicine's (PDM) Preventive and Restorative department will serve in the Division of Restorative Dentistry. This position will be expected to provide direct patient care as well as clinical, student, and resident support between two locations: onsite at PDM (located at 240 S. 40th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104) and at Public Health Management Corporation's (PHMC) Cedar campus (located at 501 S. 54th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143).
This position is contingent upon the continued availability of grant funding.
Experience in supporting dental care delivery including: preparation of treatment rooms, setting up patient instruments and materials, passing instruments, breaking down treatment rooms, four handed dentistry, and performing procedures in compliance with the dental practice is required. This role will also include front desk duties. Dental Assistant will report to the Director of Preclinical Operations, working alongside the Primary Care Leader/Dental Director of Community Dental Care Centers and PDM’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Program Director. PATIENT EXPERIENCE Prepares patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and obtaining medical history and patient vitals, and draping patient. Documents dental care services by charting in patient records. Provides information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests. Provides materials by mixing, and placing materials on instruments and in the patient's mouth. Expose and mount digital x-rays in appropriate digital templates. Take panoramic x-rays when necessary. Provides diagnostic information by exposing digital radiographic studies; pouring, trimming, and polishing study casts. Cleaning and polishing removable appliances. Educate and motivate patients by giving oral hygiene and plaque control instructions, presents and explains treatment plans to patients, demonstrates effective communication to bridge the gap between a pending treatment plan and a completed treatment plan, provides postoperative instructions and schedules subsequent visits. OPERATIONS Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential. Protects patient and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols. Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations. Performs sterilization cycles of instruments and monitors sterilizer, including spore testing and recording. Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply, and emergency telephone directory. Conserves dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results; monitors inventory; maintains proper usage and operations of equipment. While monitoring supply inventory, will facilitate ordering of additional supply inventory when appropriate. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies. Flexibility in scheduling is required for all positions. This position will require onsite dental assisting at two locations; (PDM 240 S 40th St & Cedar 501 S. 54th Street). Contributes to team effort by accomplishing and supporting as assigned. OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED - Provide and maintain expertise in innovative solutions focused on the responsible stewardship of Penn Dental Medicine and its community experience. DESIRED EXPERIENCE & POSITION EXPECTATIONS Technical School, Certification, or training required beyond High School and minimum of 3 years of practical experience in a dental care facility or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. To legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures in Pennsylvania under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist, a dental assistant must have passed the national DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam. Current CPR certification and BLS required. Experience in a higher education dental setting a plus. Employment clearance through the State of PA to work on/with children: as determined through Pennsylvania Criminal Background Check, Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance and FBI Fingerprinting Database is required. Experience with AxiUm and Epic preferred, experience with other electronic health records required. Job Location - City, State Philadelphia, Pennsylvania This position is contingent upon the continued availability of grant funding. Department / School School of Dental Medicine Pay Range $17.12 - $22.12 Hourly Rate Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered. Equal Opportunity Statement The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Special Requirements Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job. University Benefits Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Candidates must have a technical school certification or equivalent training and at least 3 years of practical experience in a dental facility. A national DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam pass, current CPR/BLS certification, and Pennsylvania employment clearance are required.