Dental Assistant

UPMC; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site parking

Growth opportunities

Excellent benefits

Job summary

UPMC in Harrisburg is seeking a full-time Dental Assistant to support the dental team. You will provide chairside assistance, take radiographs, prepare treatment rooms, and ensure supplies are stocked to maintain efficient patient flow.

The role offers on-site work with no weekends, opportunities for growth, and a collaborative, patient-centered environment. Requirements include a high school diploma and Dental Radiology Certificate with preference for graduates of dental assisting programs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Dental Radiology Certificate required or obtained within 6 months of employment.
• Graduates of dental assisting programs or 2+ years of dental assisting experience highly preferred

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for appointments and document discharge instructions and school/work excuses.
• Provide chairside assistance during dental and orthodontic procedures using four-handed techniques.
• Assist in clinic, satellite, and hospital settings, including room setup and post-procedure cleanup.
• Take and develop high-quality diagnostic dental radiographs for dentist review.
• Mix and prepare dental materials, cements, and impression products; apply topical anesthetics.
• Take, pour, trim, and finish study model impressions; coordinate shipments with dental labs.
• Clean, sterilize, and maintain instruments and treatment areas per infection control standards.
• Maintain inventory and ensure clinical spaces are stocked.
• Communicate effectively with patients and team members.
• Participate in team meetings and departmental initiatives.
• Respond to spills or safety needs within the clinical environment.
• Assist with maintenance and monitoring of dental equipment under the Clinic Coordinator.

Skills

Chairside assistance

Infection control

Patient communication

Radiographic imaging

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Dental assisting program graduate

Job description

Join our team of Life Changers!

UPMC is hiring a full-time Dental Assistant to support the team/office in Harrisburg.

Shift/Hours:

Monday-Tuesday from 7:00am to 6:00pm | Wednesday - Thursday from 7;00am-5:00pm. No weekends or holidays!

On-site parking, opportunities for growth, excellent benefits, a pleasant work environment, and friendly team are just a few of our perks.

Dress Code:

Scrubs - Pewter, Black, or Eggplant

Department Perks / Why Join Our Team?

Join a collaborative and patient-centered dental team where the focus is on delivering exceptional care rather than meeting production goals. This unique opportunity allows you to work alongside an interdisciplinary team of dental and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving patient outcomes. Team members enjoy a supportive work environment that values flexibility, ongoing learning, and professional growth. Additionally, the schedule offers a great work-life balance with no Friday clinic hours.

• The REACCH (Resources, Education and Comprehensive Care for HIV) Program provides comprehensive medical care and social services to people living with HIV throughout south central Pennsylvania. The REACCH program provides an array of services including HIV primary and specialty care, case management and social work services, dental care, on‑site therapy/counseling, rapid HIV testing, community outreach and education, and HIV prevention services.

What Is a Typical Day Like?

In this role, you’ll support providers who typically see approximately 10 patients per day. Responsibilities include providing chairside assistance during dental procedures, preparing and maintaining treatment rooms, sterilizing instruments, performing dental radiographs, and ensuring supplies are stocked and organized. You’ll also participate in team meetings and training opportunities while playing an essential role in creating a positive experience for patients and families.

Purpose:

Under general supervision, the Dental Assistant supports the delivery of high-quality clinical dental care in both outpatient and surgical settings. This individual works closely with dentists, patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure efficient clinic operations while providing compassionate, professional, and patient-focused care.

Responsibilities:

• Greet, escort, and prepare patients for appointments, including obtaining weights when appropriate and preparing electronic documentation such as discharge instructions and school/work excuses.
• Provide chairside assistance during dental and orthodontic procedures using four-handed dental assisting techniques.
• Assist in clinic, satellite, and hospital operating room settings, including treatment room setup, patient care support, and post-procedure cleanup.
• Obtain high-quality diagnostic dental radiographs for dentist review.
• Mix and prepare dental materials, cements, and impression products; apply topical anesthetics and assist with rubber dam placement.
• Take, pour, trim, and finish study model impressions; coordinate the shipment and receipt of appliances and models with dental laboratories.
• Clean, sterilize, and maintain instruments, equipment, and treatment areas in accordance with established infection control and safety standards.
• Maintain inventory and ensure clinical workspaces are fully stocked and organized.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, families, providers, and team members, providing accurate and timely information.
• Participate in team meetings, training activities, and departmental initiatives.
• Respond appropriately to spills, patient accidents, and other housekeeping or safety needs within the clinical environment.
• Assist with the maintenance and monitoring of dental equipment and supplies under the direction of the Clinic Coordinator.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Dental Radiology Certificate required or obtained within 6 months of employment.
• Graduates of dental assisting programs or 2+ years of dental assisting experience highly preferred

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Dental Radiology Certificate OR Dental Auxiliary Personnel License.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Dental Radiology Certificate
• Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting
• Act 33
• Act 34
• Act 73 FBI Clearance

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran