Dental Assistant

UPMC•Harrisburg, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

UPMC is hiring a full-time Dental Assistant to support its team in Harrisburg. Under general supervision, the Dental Assistant supports high-quality clinical dental care in outpatient and surgical settings. The role works closely with dentists, patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members to support efficient clinic operations and provide compassionate, professional, patient-focused care. 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. Its services include HIV primary and specialty care, case management and social work, dental care, on-site therapy and counseling, rapid HIV testing, community outreach and education, and HIV prevention services. Providers typically see approximately 10 patients per day. The schedule is Monday and Tuesday, 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday, 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with no weekend or holiday work and no Friday clinic hours. The position is on-site in Harrisburg. The dress code is scrubs in pewter, black, or eggplant. The team is collaborative and patient-centered, emphasizing exceptional care rather than production goals. The work environment supports flexibility, ongoing learning, and professional growth, with an interdisciplinary team of dental and healthcare professionals.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Dental Radiology Certificate required or to be obtained within 6 months of employment.
Dental Radiology Certificate or Dental Auxiliary Personnel License.
Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting clearance.
Act 33 clearance.
Act 34 clearance.
Act 73 FBI Clearance.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from a dental assisting program is highly preferred.
Two or more years of dental assisting experience is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Greet, escort, and prepare patients for appointments, including obtaining weights when appropriate and preparing electronic documentation such as discharge instructions and school or 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 shipment and receipt of appliances and models with dental laboratories.
Clean, sterilize, and maintain instruments, equipment, and treatment areas according to infection control and safety standards.
Maintain inventory and ensure clinical workspaces are stocked and organized.
Communicate professionally and effectively 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 in the clinical environment.
Assist with maintenance and monitoring of dental equipment and supplies under the direction of the Clinic Coordinator.