DENTAL ASSISTANT B ORTHODONTICS

University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Pennsylvania is seeking a Dental Assistant to support its postdoctoral orthodontic program. The ideal candidate will manage patient interaction, assist in treatment preparations, and ensure high standards in patient care while collaborating with a diverse team. This role requires strong communication skills, certifications, and a commitment to professionalism in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Technical School, Dental Assistant certification, x-ray certification required.
• 3-5 years experience or equivalent education.
• Prefer EFDA, Certified Orthodontic Assistant certifications.

Responsibilities

• Support orthodontic program and patient management.
• Maintain infection control and sterilize instruments.
• Prepare orthodontic diagnostic data and maintain dental supplies.

Skills

Communication

Customer Service

Teamwork

Organization

Adaptability

Education

Dental Assistant Certification

X-Ray Certification

Technical School Certification

Job description

Duties: Penn Orthodontics has been a leader in clinical excellence due to its strong yet diverse faculty, a highly collaborative relationship with the School of Dental Medicine, and its location within an Ivy League university and a city which is world renowned for health care education. The Dental Assistant will be a key team member supporting the 26 month postdoctoral orthodontic program and serve various stakeholders including students, faculty, staff and patients.

Positively greet patients, support student learning/teaching mission & collaborate effectively with diverse patient, staff, student & faculty groups. Prepare patient for treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, & draping patient. Support infection control by sterilizing & delivering instruments to treatment area; Accurately & efficiently position instruments for dentist's access including prompt chair sanitizing, suctioning, passing instruments & supply ordering as needed.

Accurately utilize axiUm & X-Ray equipment, Provide diagnostic information by exposing & developing radiographic studies including but not limited to pouring, trimming, & polishing study casts. Sanitize chairs, disinfect patient areas, inventory instruments, pull barriers off, & suction mgmt. Maintain dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt & inventory of supplies.

Support fellow team members through timely customer service, clear communication & accountability on tasks. Prepare orthodontic diagnostic data, digital imaging, digital intraoral & diagnostic photos, change & trim wires, size bands, sterilization, prepare teeth for bracket placement, scanning diagnostic models, and provide clear orthodontic instructions.

Maintain & enhance professional standards for role through acquisition of PA EFDA license, Orthodontic Assistant Certification, etc. Set-up & breakdown of operators using infection control standards. Help dentist manage dental & medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, crash cart, emergency drug & oxygen supply, & emergency contacts. Maintain patient confidence & protects department by keeping information confidential.

Treat all fairly & respectfully; Work effectively with others, regardless of their background, position, or status; Respect different values & viewpoints. Work collegially with others, cooperating in both interpersonal & team relationships; Foster enthusiasm & maintain mutual trust, candor & respect. Support the front desk when needed & other duties as assigned.

Work effectively and consistently with Penn community (e.g., students, faculty, staff), Remain calm in stressful situations; Consistently demonstrate pleasant & respectful disposition that puts people at ease. Ensure operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques as needed.

Demonstrate competence in four-handed dentistry technique, level of knowledge & proficiency in use of current dental materials, instruments and equipment. Demonstrated ability to follow instructions & work effectively under both direct & indirect supervision. Demonstrate efficiency, timeliness and organization in use of time and effort.

Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications: Technical School, Dental Assistant certification, x-ray certification, training or apprenticeship required beyond High School and 3 years to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. EFDA, Certified Orthodontic Assistant certifications preferred. Excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills.
Excellent speaking voice; proper grammar, diction, enunciation and tone.
Excellent listening and organization skills; ability to multi-task.
Ability to effectively communicate verbally and written within all levels.
Ability to work with others in a close manner; teamwork is essential.
Ability to adapt to change and meet the unexpected needs and demands.
Must be accountable, dependable, independent, motivated, punctual, reliable and flexible.
Must exhibit excellent work ethics and maintain honesty and integrity.
Other duties as assigned. The duties listed above are not all-inclusive.
Must follow all HIPAA compliance requirements.

Reference Number: 51-30865

Salary Grade: 023

Employment Type: Non-Exempt

Org: Orthodontics

Special Requirements: Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

Job Family: 4-Technical Health Services