Dental Hygienist, Oral Medicine/Triage Support, Penn Dental Medicine

University of Pennsylvania

3d•$32 - $52•Onsite

About The Position

Penn Dental Medicine's Oral Medicine clinic and teams collaborate with experts across multiple disciplines to provide comprehensive care for individuals in need of non-surgical treatment for conditions of the mouth, teeth, jaw and face. Our specialists in oral medicine diagnosis consult and give non-surgical medical treatment for many conditions. At Penn Dental Medicine, our students are among the nation’s best, and they are matched in quality by the high level of instruction and research among our faculty. Our research encompasses all the basic and clinical sciences, and Penn’s emphasis on interdisciplinary scholarship encourages collaborations across disciplines. Our clinical care brings the latest techniques and technologies to patients within our teaching clinics and faculty practice. As stewards of the neighborhood in which we reside, Penn Dental Medicine participates in a diversity of community outreach programs, serving area residents while teaching our students to practice with compassion and responsibility.

Requirements

An associate’s degree or two-year college equivalent in dental hygiene
3 years 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: as determined through Pennsylvania Criminal Background Check, Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance and FBI Finger Printing Database is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Axium preferred
Flexibility to accommodate different scheduling requirements based on the operational needs of the clinic.

Responsibilities

Escort patients to and from operatories
Prepares patients for dental hygiene treatment by setting up and breaking down operatory, as well as nitrous units when needed
Maintain patient confidence and protect operations by keeping information confidential
Supports dentist with nitrous oxide unit set-up and monitoring levels through duration of patient appointment
Help to acquaint patients with preventive care-oriented practice philosophy
Help to maintain and manage patient recall system
Perform thorough oral prophylaxis (cleanings) on scheduled patients which include proper use of ultrasonic cleaning devices, scaling instruments, polishing and flossing
Conduct dental and periodontal assessments, providing oral cancer screening, charting conditions of decay and disease (via axiUm), capturing digital images (via MiPacs) and documenting interventions electronically by recording vital signs, clinical notes and procedures.
Arrests dental decay by applying topical fluorides and occlusal sealants on indicated patients, recommending cavity-preventing agents as needed
Educate and motivate patients by giving oral hygiene and plaque control instructions, presents and explain treatment plants to patients, demonstrate effective communication to bridge the gap between a pending treatment plan and a completed treatment plan, provide postoperative instructions and schedules and schedules and subsequent visits.
Support and supervise predoctoral students in all aspects of radiology; including interpretation of information
Explain treatment alternatives to patients
Review and revise patient histories and record patient's vital signs
Chart existing restorations on new patients and notate clinical evidence of disease presence
Records specific treatment performed on patient chart, as well as other patient information as needed
Provides digital x-rays and chairside assistance when available, as needed
Helps to reconfirm and schedule patient appointments
Ensure that operatories are well supplied with necessary supplies
Handle sharpening, sterilization, and maintenance of all instruments and equipment
Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
Conserves dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results; monitors inventory; maintains proper usage and operations of equipment.
Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
Contributes to team effort by accomplishing and supporting as assigned.
Support students and residents in developing skills in clinical setting and patient care.
Provide and maintain expertise in innovative solutions focused on the 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 eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars
Tuition assistance for employee, spouse, and dependent children at Penn
Tuition assistance for dependent children at other institutions
Generous retirement plans (Basic, Matching, and Supplemental) with pre-tax or Roth basis options
Substantial amount of time away from work (vacations, personal affairs, illness, injury, family time)
Long-Term Care Insurance
Wellness and Work-life Resources
Professional and Personal Development resources
Access to a wide range of University resources, cultural and recreational activities (libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries)
Discounts on arts and entertainment, transportation, mortgages, new cars, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and theme parks
Flexible work options (non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures)
Forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia
Adoption Assistance reimbursement for qualified expenses