"Dental Assistant, Preventive and Restorative Sciences - Penn Dental Medicine"

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, Preventive and Restorative Sciences - Penn Dental Medicine

Job Profile Title

Dental Assistant B

Job Description 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).

Job Description

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.

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

Department / School

School of Dental Medicine

Pay Range

$16.83 - $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.