Dental Assistant: Tamaqua, PA

Temple University; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off

Tuition remission for eligible employees and dependents

Generous retirement plan

Job summary

Temple University in Philadelphia is seeking a Dental Assistant to support students, residents, and faculty in the School of Dentistry. Responsibilities include both chair-side assistance and duties in the dispensary, ensuring high standards of patient care and regulatory compliance.

The role requires a Dental Assisting certificate and experience, offering a salary range of $17.30 to $21.63 per hour. Benefits include full medical and dental coverage, tuition remission for employees and dependents, and a generous retirement plan.

Qualifications

• At least 6 months of experience as a Dental Assistant.
• Ability to obtain PA Child-Abuse clearance.
• Experience with sterilization procedures and legal compliance.

Responsibilities

• Provide chair-side assistance to faculty and residents.
• Handle sterilization and maintenance of dental equipment.
• Prepare data reports for the department and maintain logs.

Skills

Chair-side assistance capability

Knowledge of standard and advanced clinic procedures

Excellent communication and organizational skills

Proficiency with dental instruments and x-ray equipment

Customer service orientation

Education

Dental Assisting training and certificate from an accredited school

Dental Radiology Certification from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

CPR Certification

Tools

Sterilizer

Operatory equipment

Infection control equipment

Dental x-ray equipment

Job description

Position Summary

The Dental Assistant supports students, residents, and faculty in the School of Dentistry’s clinic in Tamaqua, PA. The role alternates between the clinic dispensary and the clinic floor. In the dispensary, the assistant distributes and collects instruments, maintains supplies, and logs equipment maintenance and infection control activities. On the clinic floor, the assistant provides chair‑side assistance—gathering supplies, taking digital x‑rays, pouring and trimming impressions, and performing 4‑handed dentistry—while also monitoring emergency drug and oxygen supplies, disinfecting operatories, uploading patient data into the electronic health record, and troubleshooting equipment and instruments. The assistant may perform front‑desk duties such as greeting patients, scheduling, answering phones, and maintaining patient files as needed.

Salary Range

$17.30 to $21.63 per hour. Salary is determined by HR based on duties, education, experience, and internal equity.

Background Checks

• Criminal history review
• Child‑Abuse clearance
• FBI fingerprinting

Required Education and Experience

• At least 6 months of experience as a Dental Assistant
• Dental Assisting training and certificate from an accredited school
• Dental Radiology Certification from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• CPR Certification
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

Required Skills and Abilities

• Ability to obtain PA Child‑Abuse clearance
• Knowledge of standard and advanced clinic procedures
• Chair‑side assistance capability
• Proficiency with dental instruments, sterilizer, operatory equipment, infection control equipment, and x‑ray equipment
• Ability to work with a diverse patient population
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of dental terminology, procedures, and diagnosis
• Ability to prioritize tasks and respond to multiple requests
• Experience working with potential pathogens during sterilization procedures
• Adherence to legal and ethical standards set by the state
• Commitment to lifelong learning and attention to detail
• Adaptability during changing circumstances
• Strong customer service orientation

Essential Duties

• Collaborate with faculty and supervisors to ensure efficient and appropriate patient care
• Assist with HIPAA, OSHA, emergency preparedness, infection control, and other regulatory compliance
• Sterilize and maintain dental equipment; run tests to monitor function
• Maintain logs for equipment maintenance and safety protocols
• Disinfect operatories between and after patient visits
• Coordinate appliances sent to and from dental laboratories and follow up with patients
• Prepare data reports for the department
• Handle equipment, furniture, and facility repairs in a timely manner
• Perform chart documentation checks
• Maintain patient confidentiality
• Coordinate purchasing of inventory and supplies; maintain related records
• Provide chair‑side assistance to faculty and students
• Take digital x‑rays and upload into the electronic health record
• Serve as an information resource and resolve problems for students, patients, staff, faculty, and the public
• Maintain clinic forms, handouts, and patient education materials
• Utilize computers, printers, copying machines, autoclaves, ultrasonic units, suction equipment, infection control materials, dental x‑ray equipment, and other standard dental tools
• Perform similar functions in other departments if needed
• Conduct front‑desk operations such as greeting patients, scheduling appointments, and answering phones as required
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Benefits

• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off
• 11 paid holidays
• Tuition remission (TUITION FREE for eligible employees and dependents)
• Generous retirement plan
• Additional benefits as offered by Temple University

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Temple University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations, including employment, service, and educational programs. The University has pledged not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status.