Senior/Lead Dental Assistant: Tamaqua, PA

Temple University•Location INSIDE of PA, PA

3d•$23 - $26•Hybrid

About The Position

Temple University's Kornberg School of Dentistry is searching for a Senior/Lead Dental Assistant in Tamaqua, PA. As the second-oldest dental school in the U.S., the Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry upholds a legacy of innovation in dental education, research efforts, community service, and pioneering healthcare services. Founded in 1863, Kornberg remains a pillar in the dental community with over 7,000 alumni redefining oral health globally. The school supports health and wellness through diverse educational programs and comprehensive patient services, training ethical professionals focused on discovering new models of dental care. Renowned faculty and staff provide students with extensive opportunities and resources, including smart classrooms, digital dentistry labs, clinics, and a preclinical lab emphasizing collaboration. Students pursue postbaccalaureate, predoctoral, continuing education, and advanced education in general dentistry programs. Temple University offers a supportive environment for its employees.

Requirements

At least 3 years 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.
Must be able to travel between clinical locations in Philadelphia and Tamaqua as needed.
Ability to obtain PA Child Abuse Clearances.
Demonstrated knowledge of standard and complex procedures performed in the clinic's area of specialty.
Demonstrated ability to provide chair-side assistance.
Ability to utilize dental instruments, sterilizer, operatory equipment, infection control equipment, dental x-ray equipment, and all other standard dental equipment and instruments.
Must be able to work with diverse populations of students, faculty, staff, patients, and other external contacts.
Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and organizational and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated knowledge of dental terminology, procedures, and diagnosis.
Demonstrated ability to prioritize projects and tasks and to respond to multiple requests.
Demonstrated ability to work with potential pathogens during dental assisting and sterilization procedures.
Ability to provide dental assisting within the legal and ethical boundaries set forth by the state.
Demonstrate lifelong learning.
Demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to adapt to change.
Demonstrate personal commitment to providing strong customer service.
Criminal history review, child abuse clearance, and FBI fingerprinting background checks.

Nice To Haves

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Provide daily oversight of the clinic to ensure smooth clinical and administrative operations.
Work closely with the Clinic Director to ensure effective and efficient clinic operation.
Coordinate Dental Assistants and clerical staff for appropriate staffing.
Train new and current staff on clinical operations, equipment, policies, and procedures.
Ensure medical emergency kits, oxygen tanks, and AED units are up to date.
Assist with routine and complex surgical dental procedures.
Prepare chairs or surgical rooms for procedures.
Welcome and seat patients.
Perform 4-handed dentistry during procedures.
Maintain and disinfect operatories between and after patient visits.
Support during medical emergencies, including monitoring emergency drug and oxygen supplies.
Adhere to infection control and safety protocols.
Take x-rays using digital imaging and upload them along with other patient data.
Pour and trim dental impressions.
Order and maintain supplies.
Troubleshoot dental equipment and instruments.
Maintain logs for equipment maintenance and safety as required by the University, School, and Department for Infection Control.
Assist with the sterilization process.
Fill in at the front desk when needed, including greeting and checking patients in, scheduling and confirming appointments, creating and maintaining patient files, tracking patient flow, answering phones, screening calls, taking messages, and answering non-complex questions.
Prepare reports for the department.
Review clinical revenue and prepare reports for the director of the clinic.
Manage the clinic recall list.
Chairside assist for faculty and residents with various routine and complex procedures during surgeries.
Work with faculty and supervisors to ensure appropriate and efficient patient care.
Assist with all regulatory compliance (HIPAA, OSHA, emergency preparedness, infection control, etc.) for the dental clinic.
Sterilize and maintain dental equipment and instruments, and run spore tests.
Coordinate appliances sent to and returned from dental laboratories.
Ensure timely handling of equipment, furniture, and facility repairs.
Perform chart review.
Maintain patient confidentiality.
Coordinate purchasing of inventory, implants, abutments, or other dental materials/supplies, and maintain related records.
Take, process, and mount digital x-rays.
Serve as an information resource, resolve problems, and refer individuals to proper sources.
Maintain or update clinic forms, handouts, and patient education materials.
Utilize various dental equipment and supplies.
Perform similar functions in other departments within the school if needed.
Support front desk operations, including checking patients in/out, scheduling, processing payments, and answering calls.
Perform other duties as assigned.