Dental Hygienist, Penn Dental Family Practice

University of Pennsylvania

72d•$32 - $45•Onsite

About The Position

Penn Dental Medicine’s Family Practice (PDFP) is seeking skilled and motivated dental hygienists to join their team. This role offers an opportunity to expand skill sets and gain experience in advanced dental care. The team collaborates to provide multi-specialty care using leading patient care techniques. As part of the PDFP team, individuals will work alongside colleagues dedicated to providing quality dental care that exceeds patient expectations. Ideal candidates should be ready to contribute to a collaborative team, continuously seek learning and improvement in patient service and clinical practice, and maintain a positive and welcoming demeanor.

Requirements

An Associate's Degree or two year college equivalent and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
CPR certification required.
Employment clearance through the State of PA to work on/with children (Pennsylvania Criminal Background Check, Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance, and FBI Finger Printing Database).
Ability to accommodate different scheduling requirements based on operational needs.
Positive energy and enthusiasm, with a strong commitment to exceeding patient and team expectations.
Flexibility and openness to work as a team in a variety of roles, assignments, and duties.
Strong desire to be an active, long-term participant in the growth and success of the practice.
Ability to adapt and learn quickly, make an immediate, sustainable impact, and provide value-added service.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Confidence in professional aptitude and ability to effectively convey skills, knowledge, and qualifications to patients.

Nice To Haves

Experience in sedation procedures.
ACLS certification.
Experience with Axium.

Responsibilities

Partner and collaborate with dental assistants and dentists to provide exceptional patient experiences.
Serve as a leader in the clinical practice, acting as an educator and role model for dental assistants, and a partner and bridge for dentists and patient care.
Prepare patient for dental hygiene treatment by setting up and breaking down operatory and nitrous units.
Support dentists with nitrous oxide unit set-up and monitoring.
Ensure operatories are well-supplied with necessary materials.
Handle sharpening, sterilization, and maintenance of all instruments and equipment.
Escort patients to and from operatories.
Acquaint patients with the practice's preventive care philosophy.
Maintain and manage the patient recall system.
Perform thorough oral prophylaxis (cleanings), including scaling, polishing, and flossing.
Conduct dental and periodontal assessments, including oral cancer screening, charting conditions of decay and disease, capturing digital images, and documenting interventions electronically.
Apply topical fluorides and occlusal sealants, and recommend cavity-preventing agents.
Educate and motivate patients on oral hygiene and plaque control.
Present and explain treatment plans to patients, demonstrating effective communication.
Provide postoperative instructions and schedule subsequent visits.
Explain treatment alternatives to patients.
Review and revise patient histories and record vital signs.
Chart existing restorations and notate clinical evidence of disease.
Record specific treatment performed and other patient information.
Provide digital x-rays and chairside assistance as needed.
Reconfirm and appoint patients.
Maintain patient confidentiality.
Maintain a safe and clean working environment.
Adhere to infection-control policies and protocols.
Conserve dental resources by using equipment and supplies efficiently.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge through continuing education.
Contribute to team effort by accomplishing and supporting assigned tasks.
Provide and maintain expertise in innovative solutions for responsible stewardship of Penn Dental Medicine and its community experience.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
Flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care expenses.
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn and potentially other institutions.
Generous retirement plans (Basic, Matching, and Supplemental) with pre-tax or Roth options and a variety of investment choices.
Substantial time away from work for relaxation, vacation, personal affairs, illness, injury, or family time.
Long-Term Care Insurance (optional, with potential underwriting requirements).
Wellness and work-life resources and programs.
Professional and personal development resources.
Access to a wide range of University resources, cultural activities, and recreational facilities.
Discounts on arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, goods, and services.
Flexible work hours.
Penn Home Ownership Services (forgivable loan for eligible employees).
Adoption Assistance (reimbursement for qualified expenses).