Dental assistant

Temple University’s Kornberg School of Dentistry is the second‑oldest dental school in the U.S., located in Philadelphia and dedicated to training ethical professionals in oral health. It offers a range of educational programs and comprehensive patient services.

Benefits

• Hybrid work schedule
• Full medical, dental, vision coverage
• Paid time off
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Tuition remission – eligible employees and dependents can obtain a degree tuition free
• Generous retirement plan and more

Salary Range

$18.00 to $20.95 per hour

Background Checks

This position requires criminal history review, child abuse clearance, and FBI fingerprinting.

Position Summary

The Dental Assistant will provide assistance to students, residents, and faculty in the treatment of dental patients in the School of Dentistry. Primary responsibilities include rotating between the clinic dispensary and the clinic floor, distributing and collecting instruments, maintaining supplies and logs, assisting students with procedures, taking x‑rays, pouring and trimming impressions, performing 4‑handed dentistry, supporting medical emergencies, monitoring supplies, maintaining and disinfecting operatories, uploading patient data into Axium, troubleshooting equipment, and, when needed, performing front desk operations such as greeting patients, scheduling appointments, and answering phones.

Required Education and Experience

• Minimum 6 months experience as a Dental Assistant.
• Dental Assisting training and certificate from an accredited school.
• Dental Radiology Certification from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• CPR Certification.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Ability to obtain PA Child Abuse Clearances.
• Demonstrated knowledge of standard and complex clinic procedures.
• Ability to provide chair‑side assistance.
• Proficiency with dental instruments, sterilizer, operatory equipment, infection control equipment, x‑ray equipment, and all other standard dental equipment.
• Ability to work with diverse populations of students, faculty, staff, patients, and external contacts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of dental terminology, procedures and diagnosis.
• Ability to prioritize projects and tasks and respond to multiple requests.
• Experience working with potential pathogens during sterilization procedures.
• Ability to provide dental assisting within legal and ethical boundaries set by the state.
• Commitment to lifelong learning.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt and persevere during changing circumstances.
• Commitment to strong customer service.

Essential Duties

• Work with faculty and supervisors to ensure appropriate and efficient patient care.
• Assist with all regulatory compliance (HIPAA, OSHA, emergency preparedness, infection control, etc.).
• Sterilize and maintain dental equipment; run appropriate tests.
• Maintain logs for equipment maintenance and safety.
• Maintain and disinfect operatories between and after patient visits.
• Coordinate appliances sent to and received from laboratories and follow‑up for patients.
• Prepare data reports for the department.
• Ensure repairs of equipment, furniture and facilities are handled promptly.
• Perform chart documentation checks.
• Maintain patient confidentiality.
• Coordinate purchasing of inventory and supplies; maintain records.
• Chair‑side assisting for faculty and students as needed.
• Take digital x‑rays and upload into the electronic health record.
• Serve as information resource, resolve problems, and refer to proper sources.
• Maintain clinic forms, handouts, and patient education materials.
• Operate computer, printer, copying, autoclaves, ultrasonic units, suction equipment, infection control materials, dental X‑ray equipment, amalgamators, curing lights, high and low speed handpieces, etc.
• Perform similar functions in other departments if needed.
• Front desk operations when needed: greeting patients, checking them in, scheduling, confirming appointments, maintaining patient files, tracking flow, answering phones, screening calls, taking messages, answering non‑complex questions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Temple University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations, including employment, service, and educational programs. The University has pledged not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or veteran status.