Dental Assistant, Penn Dental Family Practice

About the role

Penn Dental Medicine’s Family Practice (PDFP) is interested in hiring the best and the brightest dental assistant who is looking to broaden their skill sets and gain valuable experience in the art and science of the dental field. As a member of the PDFP family, individuals are provided the opportunity to work alongside a team whose mission is to provide quality dental care which exceeds patient expectations.

Responsibilities

• Preparation of treatment rooms, setting up patient instruments and materials, passing instruments and performing procedures in compliance with the dental practice.
• Documenting dental care services by charting in patient records.
• Providing information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests.
• Preparing patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and obtaining medical history and patient vitals, and draping patient.
• 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.
• Contributing to team effort by accomplishing and supporting as assigned.

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.
• Dental x-ray or radiology certification required.
• Current CPR certification and BLS 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.
• 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

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of dental terminology and procedures.
• Basic computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Benefits

The University of Pennsylvania 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.

Pay

$19.32 - $23.00 Hourly Rate

Schedule

Flexibility with work schedules required; clinic coverage may be staggered between the hours of 7:00AM - 7:00PM (Monday through Friday). Flexibility with occasional Saturday and overtime work coverage required.

Department / School

School of Dental Medicine