Dental Assistant, Penn Dental Family Practice

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 Family Practice

Job Profile Title

Dental Assistant B

Job Description Summary

• Penn Dental Medicine’s Family Practice (PDFP) is interested in hiring the best and the brightest DENTAL ASSISTANTS who are 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. Ideal candidates must:
• 1. Be ready to have a voice on a highly collaborative team
• 2. Stay thirsty and always seek to learn and improve upon patient service and clinical practice
• 3. SMILE…because WE make people smile!

Penn Dental Family Practice is comprised of over 35 doctors, 15 dental hygienists, 22 dental assistants, 17 staff AND GROWING! Together, the team works collaboratively to provide multi-specialty care utilizing leading techniques in patient care.

Penn Dental Family Practice has an ongoing need for Dental Assistants across many different departments. This posting describes the basic responsibilities and requirements for a dental assistant role. If you meet the qualifications outlined below and have an interest in being considered as positions become available, please apply to this posting. Your information will be reviewed, and you will be contacted if we would like to encourage you to apply to a future posting or if we would like to learn more about your background.

Job Description

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.

Seeking all specialties. Experience with periodontics, oral surgery and orthodontics preferred.

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 selecting, mixing, and placing materials on instruments and in the patient's mouth.

Make appropriate study models on indicated patients.

Expose, process, and mount necessary x-rays

Provides diagnostic information by exposing and developing radiographic studies; pouring, trimming, and polishing study casts.

Maintains patient appearance and ability to masticate by 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 plants to patients, demonstrates effective communication to bridge the gap between a pending treatment plan and a completed treatment plan, provides postoperative instructions and schedules and subsequent visits.

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 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.

Flexibility in scheduling is required for all positions.

Contributes to team effort by accomplishing and supporting as assigned.

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

CONFIDENCE IN PROFESSIONAL APTITUDE and ability to effectively convey skills, knowledge and qualifications to 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.

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 preferred.

Ability to accommodate different scheduling requirements based on the operational needs of the Penn Dental Family Practice.

Salary with commensurate with experience.

Penn Dental Family Practice is the multispecialty dental practice of Penn Dental Medicine. With general dentists as well as specialists, patients can receive your comprehensive care for all your dental needs within each of the two practice locations. Patients benefit from a team of experts who practice using the leading techniques and technologies in dentistry and who are committed to providing compassionate, personalized care.

At Penn Dental Medicine, our students are among the nation’s best, and they are matched in quality by the high level of instruction and research among our faculty. Our research encompasses all the basic and clinical sciences, and Penn’s emphasis on interdisciplinary scholarship encourages collaborations across disciplines. Our clinical care brings the latest techniques and technologies to patients within our teaching clinics and faculty practice.

Qualifications

Associate of Science, High School Grad/GE Degree, and 2 to 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Job Location - City, State

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Department / School

School of Dent