Dental Assistant/X-Ray Technician, Department of Oral Medicine, Penn Dental Medicine

Job Description Summary

The Dental Assistant/X-Ray Technician position at Penn Dental Medicine is a key team member supporting third and fourth-year dental students, pre-clinical students, faculty, staff as well as patients.

Job Description

The Dental Assistant/X-Ray Technician position's primary responsibilities include taking radiographs and assisting with patient behavior support plans.

DENTAL ASSISTANT

• Supervise students in patient preparation for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and obtaining medical history and patient vitals, and draping patient, as well as ensuring students work towards developing and creating a patient environment consistent with patient behavior support plans. Assist with medical immobilization and/or protective stabilization as needed and outlined in patient behavior support plans.
• Supervise and support students in documenting dental care services by charting in patient records.
• Provides information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests.
• Supervises, supports and trains students proper selecting, mixing, and placing materials on instruments and in the patient's mouth.
• Assist students in obtaining diagnostic information by exposing and developing radiographic studies and pouring, trimming, and polishing study casts.
• Maintains patient appearance and ability to masticate by fabricating temporary restorations; cleaning and polishing removable appliances.
• Supervises students in fabricating temporary restorations; cleaning and polishing removable appliances, Aid in chairside assistance as needed.
• 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.

X-RAY TECHNICIAN

• Aid in and provide clear instruction in the preparation of diagnostic data, digital imaging, digital intraoral & diagnostic photos, sterilization, and scanning diagnostic models.
• Taking and teaching radiographic procedures to students such as full mouth series, panoramic radiographs and CBCT, and assisting with patient behavior support plans. Help with CBCT downloads to facilitate interpretation by faculty.

CLINIC OPERATIONS

• Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Helps dentist(s) 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.
• To date, clinical hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am-5:00pm; flexibility in scheduling is required for all positions.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing and supporting as assigned.
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 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 and be licensed in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• 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 fingerprinting Database is required.
• Experience with AxiUm is preferred.
• 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 preferred.

A dental assistant needs the use of both hands, dexterity in the fingers and the ability to manipulate instruments, materials, dental hand pieces, and operate dental equipment. The use of feet is necessary to manipulate the rheostat for hand pieces or other dental equipment. Must be able to work from a dental stool in order to perform most dental procedures. The ability to sit and stand for duration of time is also necessary.

Demonstrate competence in four-handed dentistry technique, level of knowledge & proficiency in use of current dental materials, instruments and equipment.

Other specific requirements include color spectrum differentiation; manual dexterity/motor coordination, hand-eye coordination, physical communications; visual acuity and communication/language development. Individuals in this position may be exposed to the following: bloodborne pathogens; chemical hazards (skin irritants); vibrating equipment; use of sharp instruments; and latex.

Comfort with treating specialized care patients including but not limited to individuals with complex medical concerns, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, behavioral and emotional limitations a must.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Dental Medicine

Pay Range

$16.83 - $26.00 Hourly Rate