Lead Dental Assistant

phmc.org; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in public health seeks a dedicated Lead Dental Assistant to provide high-quality care and support to patients. This role involves managing dental equipment, training new staff, and ensuring compliance with health regulations. You will play a vital part in patient care, from preparing instruments to assisting during procedures. If you are passionate about dental health and thrive in a collaborative environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you to make a difference in the community while advancing your career.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years experience as a dental assistant.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred for effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain dental instruments and equipment.
• Assist with patient care and manage dental emergencies.
• Ensure compliance with infection control protocols.

Skills

Dental Equipment Preparation

Infection Control Management

Bilingual Communication (English and Spanish)

Radiograph Taking

Patient Management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CPR/BLS Certification

National DANB Radiation and Safety Certification

Certification in Dental Assisting

Job description

PHMC is proud to be a leader in public health. PHMC requires that all employees are fully vaccinated with the Covid-19 vaccine before the first day of employment. We will provide the Vaccine at no cost at one of our Health Centers.

Under the supervision of a Dentist, the Lead Dental Assistant supports the dentist in the provision of high-quality care within the scope of service consistent with accepted standards of care for dental assistants. The lead is also responsible for: training and management of new clinical staff, infection control, inventory and supply management, dental equipment management, maintaining logbooks, and coordination with the dental lab. The lead is also responsible for ensuring quality standards for regulatory agencies.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies and equipment;
• Prepares the operatory for the patient visit
• Seats patient in chair and explains procedures to be performed
• Collects and records patient health histories
• Drapes patient with protective linens; sets up instrument tray with required supplies
• Prepares dental materials, cements, amalgams, composites, impression materials, etc.
• Takes radiographs using conventional or digital technology and following radiation safety precautions
• Assists with dental charting
• Assists in the prevention and management of dental emergencies
• Manages the patient during dental procedures
• Provides active chairside assistance; transfers instruments as appropriate for four-handed dentistry
• Place and contour amalgam and other restorative materials
• perform coronal polishing
• perform fluoride treatments, including fluoride varnish
• Takes impressions for study casts, athletic mouth guards, and custom tray.
• Performs laboratory procedures, including the pouring and trimming of models; polishing dental prosthetics, and making vac- u-press forms
• At the conclusion of the procedure, follows proper infection control protocols and prepares the operatory for the next patient
• Help manage the dental office’s infection control plan to meet all regulatory requirements
• Monitors and documents the flow of laboratory cases; maintains lab facility
• Performs, monitors, and records all sterilization activities
• Maintains proper aseptic techniques necessary with dental equipment; maintains and properly sterilizes instruments
• Routinely cleans, disinfects, and restocks operatories
• Helps manage patient flow
• Maintains the inventory of supplies and reorders as necessary
• Track and verify invoices
• Performs duties within the dental program as assigned
• Translate dental treatment, after care and answer questions in English and Spanish from doctor to patient
• Training and management of new clinical staff
• Dental equipment management
• Ensures quality standards for regulatory agencies
• Maintains log books

SKILLS:

• Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines
• Ability to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet regulatory requirements
• Maintains and expands current level of dental assistant skill and knowledge by periodically attending continuing education programs
• Ability to effectively communicate, translate, read and write in Spanish.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of 2 years as a dental assistant. Experience in a community health environment serving uninsured or underinsured patients is preferred.

EDUCATION:

• High school diploma or GED
• CPR/BLS (Basic Life Support) certification
• National DANB Radiation and Safety exam Certificate of Completion
• Certification in Dental Assisting

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, unpleasant odors and/or loud noises
• Moderate physical activity. Requires handling average-weight objects up to 15-20 pounds, assisting with patients and standing and/or walking for most the day
• Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens and will require OSHA training
• Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment
SALARY: Based on education and experience.

Qualifications Education

Required

High School

Experience

Preferred

Ability to effectively communicate, translate, read and write in Spanish

Manage the dental office infection control plan to meet regulatory requirements

Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines

Minimum of 2 years as a dental assistant. Experience in a community health environment serving uninsured or underinsured patients is preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.