Dental Assistant

Family Practice & Counseling Services Network; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Family Practice & Counseling Services Network is seeking a Dental Assistant to support dental care delivery by preparing treatment rooms, patients, instruments, and materials. The role includes chair-side assistance to dentists, patient education, and maintaining infection-control protocols in a busy clinic.

The position requires a high school diploma or dental assistant program completion, with 2–3 years of experience preferred and potential certification within six months.

Qualifications

• Strong infection control knowledge and OSHA/CDCs standards
• Experience with electronic health records in dental settings
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced dental clinic
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

• Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, and supplies for procedures.
• Seat patients, take medical history updates, and perform basic vital signs.
• Assist dentist by passing instruments and handling suction during treatment.
• Maintain instrument sterilization, lab work, and dental materials.
• Manage lab cases and coordinate with outside labs.

Skills

Infection control

Electronic Dental Records

Team player

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Dental Assistant program graduate

Dental X-ray Certification within 6 months

Job description

The Dental Assistant supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment rooms, patients, instruments, and materials to provide quality care. In addition, Dental Assistant’s perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties, and provide chair-side assistance to dentists during treatment.

Team members are expected to uphold the health center mission by assuring that patients receive health care that is competent, caring, and meets with a high degree of satisfaction. In addition, staff must support FPCSN's commitment to the creation of a trauma-informed system of care that continually recognizes and responds to the impact of traumatic stress on all those who have contact with the organization, including children, adults, families, caregivers, and staff.

LOCATION:

• 850 N 11th St., Philadelphia

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assemble instrumentation by sterilizing and delivering instruments to treatment area, positioning instruments for dentist access, suctioning, and passing instruments.
• Manage patients and educate them on all steps during dental procedure/treatment.
• Seat patients in the exam room as soon as possible after patients are checked in, perform a medical history update, blood pressure reading and x-rays as determined by the doctor.
• Anticipate and assist with the dentist’s needs.
• Perform clinical procedures as practice act allows and as directed by dentist
• Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies (materials, cement, amalgam, composite, impression), and equipment.
• Collects and records patient health information thoroughly in the electronic health record regarding all treatment plans and procedures completed.
• Complete lab work on time (Models, trays, occlusal rims)
• Coordinate outgoing and incoming lab cases, assuring that lab slips and return dates are correct and calling labs for pickups.
• Maintain HIPAA and protect patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.

Maintenance of Laboratory Equipment and Supplies

• Maintains dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level, anticipating needed supplies, checking and stocking all operatories for supplies and ensuring they are fully stocked.
• Flush water lines daily and perform DUWL disinfection procedures weekly.
• Autoclave maintenance
• Distilled Water maintenance
• Maintain Trap in Compressor Room-monthly
• Replace plaster Trap -when full
• Perform and document spore test for autoclaves Perform and document spore test for autoclaves

General/Admin

• Print x-rays as needed as well as periodontal and full mouth charting from electronic health records for Endo, Crowns, Removable Prosthetics and scaling/root planning for insurance preauthorization and billing for treatment completed.
• Help to confirm the clinic schedule in conjunction with front desk staff.
• Keep workstations neat and organized.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS:

Candidates should possess a diverse range of skills and experience including but not limited to:

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent, plus a minimum of three (3) years of experience as a Dental Assistant

OR

• Graduate of an accredited Dental Assistant program, plus a minimum of two (2) years of experience as a Dental Assistant (Preferred)
• Obtain a Dental X-ray Certification within six (6) months of hire.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of infection control protocols and procedures compliance with all OSHA and CDC standards
• Must be a team player with an excellent attitude and extremely patient and friendly.
• Detailed oriented and good organizational skills required
• Extremely adaptable and can anticipate the dentist’s needs
• Prior experience using Electronic Dental Records.

Lifting Requirements

LIGHT –

Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. The use of arm and/or leg control requires force greater than sedentary, but worker still sits majority of time.

Physical Requirement

• Stand or Sit (stationary position)
• Walk
• Use hands or fingers to handle or feel (operate, activate, prepare, inspect, position)
• Talk/Hear (communicate, converse, convey, express/exchange information)
• See (detect, identify, recognize, inspect, assess)
• Pushing or Pulling
• Repetitive Motion
• Reaching (high or low)
• Kneel, Stoop, Crouch or Crawl (position self, move)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, and veteran or disability status.

VISA SPONSORSHIP:

FPCSN does not provide Visa Sponsorship. All candidates must be US Citizens and/or authorized to work in the United States without Sponsorship.

ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT:

FPCSN is committed to maintaining a professional and welcoming environment for all staff and patients. We support continuous learning and team development that enhances cultural understanding, service excellence, and workplace collaboration.