Dental Assistant: Tamaqua, PA

The Dental Assistant will support students, residents, and faculty in the treatment of dental patients at the School of Dentistry’s clinic in Tamaqua, PA. Responsibilities include rotating between the clinic dispensary and the clinic floor to assist students. In the dispensary, the Assistant distributes and collects instruments, maintains supplies, logs equipment maintenance, infection control, and safety protocols. On the floor, duties include gathering supplies, taking digital x‑rays, pouring impressions, performing four‑handed dentistry, supporting medical emergencies, monitoring emergency drug and oxygen supplies, disinfecting operatories, uploading patient data into Axium, ordering supplies, troubleshooting equipment, and assisting with sterilization. The Assistant may also perform front‑desk operations such as greeting patients, checking them in, scheduling, answering phones, and maintaining patient files. Additional duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience

• At least 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 & Abilities

• Ability to obtain PA Child Abuse Clearances.
• Knowledge of standard and complex procedures performed in clinic specialty.
• Ability to provide chair‑side assistance.
• Proficiency with dental instruments, sterilizer, operatory equipment, infection control equipment, and x‑ray equipment.
• Work effectively 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.
• Prioritization and multitasking abilities.
• Safety awareness during dental assisting and sterilization procedures.
• Adherence to legal and ethical boundaries set forth by the state.
• Commitment to lifelong learning.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt and persevere during changing circumstances.
• Strong customer service orientation.

Essential Duties

• Work with faculty and supervisors to ensure appropriate and efficient patient care.
• Assist with regulatory compliance (HIPAA, OSHA, emergency preparedness, infection control, etc.).
• Sterilize and maintain dental equipment and instruments; run tests to monitor function.
• Maintain logs for equipment maintenance and safety.
• Disinfect operatories between and after patient visits.
• Coordinate appliances sent to and received from laboratories; follow up with patients.
• Prepare data reports for the department.
• Ensure timely repairs of equipment, furniture, and facilities.
• Perform chart documentation checks.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Coordinate purchasing of inventory and supplies and maintain related records.
• Chair‑side assisting for faculty and students as needed.
• Take digital x‑rays and upload into the electronic health record.
• Serve as an information resource; resolve problems and refer to proper sources.
• Maintain clinic forms, handouts, and patient education materials.
• Utilize computer, printer, copying, autoclaves, ultrasonic units, operatory suction, infection control materials, x‑ray equipment, amalgamators, curing lights, and high/low‑speed hand pieces.
• Perform similar functions in other departments if required.
• Front‑desk operations: greet patients, check them in, schedule and confirm appointments, create and maintain patient files, track patient flow, answer phones, screen calls, take messages, and answer non‑complex questions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off.
• 11 paid holidays.
• Tuition remission – eligible employees and dependents can obtain a degree tuition‑free.
• A generous retirement plan and so much more.

Salary Range

$17.30 to $21.63 per hour. Salary is reviewed by HR considering job duties, education, experience, internal equity, department budget, and funding source.

Background Checks

Criminal history review, child abuse clearance, and FBI fingerprinting.

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.

Compliance Statement

Employees must avoid ethical, legal, financial, and other conflicts of interest and adhere to applicable laws, University policies, and regulations, including NCAA regulations where relevant.