"Dental Assistant, Penn Dental Medicine, Personalized Care Suite"

Job Details

Dental Assistant, Penn Dental Medicine, Personalized Care Suite

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title
Dental Assistant, Penn Dental Medicine, Personalized Care Suite

Job Profile Title
Dental Assistant C

Job Description Summary
Dental Assistants with Penn Dental Medicine's Personalized Care Suite are responsible for providing and supervising direct chairside assistance, clinical supervision and support of pre-doctoral and post-doctoral dental students, taking radiographs, and assisting with patient behavior support plans. Experience in supporting dental care delivery including preparation of treatment rooms, setting up patient instruments and materials, passing instruments and performing procedures in compliance with the dental practice is required of the role. Comfort with treating patients including but not limited to individuals with complex medical concerns, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, behavioral, emotional and cognitive limitations is a must.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

PATIENT EXPERIENCE

• Supervise patient preparation for dental treatment by observing and assisting students with welcoming, comforting, seating, draping the patient and obtaining/updating medical history and patient vitals. Supervise and aid dental students in developing and creating patient environment consistent with patient behavior support plans.
• Educate and motivate patients by giving oral hygiene and plaque control instructions, demonstrate effective communication to bridge the gap between a pending treatment plan and a completed treatment plan, provides postoperative instructions and assists in scheduling subsequent visits.
• Provides information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests.
• Assist with medical immobilization and/or protective stabilization as needed and outlined in patient behavior support plans.
• Demonstrate competence in four-handed dentistry technique, level of knowledge & proficiency in use of current dental materials, instruments and equipment. Provides materials by assisting students in the proper selection, mixing, and placing materials on instruments and in the patient's mouth. Fabricate as well as supervise/advise students in fabricating temporary restorations; cleaning and polishing removable appliance.
• Aid in chairside assistance, room set-up and breakdown as needed.
• Aid in and provide clear instruction in the preparation of diagnostic data, digital imaging, digital intraoral & diagnostic photos. Expose necessary digital x-rays.

OPERATIONS

• Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping confidential information.
• Protects patients and employees by ensuring infection-control policies and protocols are in adherence.
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• 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.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Ensure operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques as needed.
• Other duties as assigned. Provide and maintain expertise in innovative solutions focused on the responsible stewardship of Penn Dental Medicine and its community experience.

PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES

• POSITIVE ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM, with a strong commitment to exceeding patient and team expectations.
• FLEXIBILITY AND OPENNESS to work as a team in a variety of roles, assignments and duties.
• TEAM PLAYER a strong desire to be an active, long-term participant in the growth and success of the practice.
• ABILITY TO ADAPT AND LEARN QUICKLY, make an immediate, sustainable impact, and provide value-added service to patients and team.
• STRONG COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS, displaying the ability to connect and build relationships with team members/peers and patients.

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 national DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam.
• Current CPR certification and BLS required.
• 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 Finger Printing Database is required.
• Experience with AxiUm a plus.
• Community Dental Health Coordinator certification a plus but not required.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
School of Dental Medicine

Pay Range
$18.99 - $24.76 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: ...
• Tuition: ...
• Retirement: ...
• Time Away from Work: ...
• Long-Term Care Insurance: ...
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: ...
• Professional and Personal Development: ...
• University Resources: ...
• Discounts and Special Services: ...
• Flexible Work Hours: ...
• Penn Home Ownership Services: ...
• Adoption Assistance: ...

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay