Dental Assistant, Penn Dental Family Practice at Locust Walk

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Preparation of treatment rooms, setting up patient instruments and materials
• Passing instruments and performing procedures in compliance with the dental practice
• Preparing patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and obtaining medical history and patient vitals, and draping patient
• Documenting dental care services by charting in patient records
• Providing information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests
• Providing materials by selecting, mixing, and placing materials on instruments and in the patient's mouth
• Making appropriate study models on indicated patients
• Exposing, processing, and mounting necessary x-rays
• Providing diagnostic information by exposing and developing radiographic studies; pouring, trimming, and polishing study casts
• Maintaining patient appearance and ability to masticate by fabricating temporary restorations; cleaning and polishing removable appliances
• Aiding in chairside assistance as needed
• Educating and motivating patients by giving oral hygiene and plaque control instructions, presenting and explaining treatment plans to patients, demonstrating effective communication to bridge the gap between a pending treatment plan and a completed treatment plan, providing postoperative instructions and scheduling and subsequent visits
• Maintaining patient confidence and protecting operations by keeping information confidential
• Protecting patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols
• Maintaining a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations
• Helping dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply, and emergency telephone directory
• Conserving dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results; monitoring inventory; maintaining proper usage and operations of equipment
• Maintaining professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies

Requirements

• 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.
• All qualified candidates are required to be x-ray certified, experience taking xrays, chair side assisting and 4 handed dentistry, taking impressions, pouring up models, understanding of infection control
• Current CPR and BLS certifications required
• Experience and knowledge in HIPAA policies, mixing materials and dental charting required
• Experience with AxiUm preferred
• Ability to accommodate different scheduling requirements based on the operational needs of the Penn Dental Family Practice

Qualifications

• 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
• Confidence in professional aptitude and ability to effectively convey skills, knowledge, and qualifications to patients

Skills

• Technical skills related to dental care
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Adaptability and quick learning ability
• Confidence in professional abilities

Benefits

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.