Senior/Lead Dental Assistant: Tamaqua, PA

Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry – Senior/Lead Dental Assistant (Tamaqua, PA)

As the second-oldest dental school in the U.

S., Kornberg has a legacy of innovation in dental education, research, 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 worldwide.

In 2023, the school celebrated its 160th Anniversary.

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
• Background Checks
• Criminal history review
• Child abuse clearance
• FBI fingerprinting
• Position Summary

The Senior/Lead Dental Assistant will oversee the daily operations of the Temple University Dental Clinic in Tamaqua, PA, ensuring clinical and administrative processes run smoothly.

The role collaborates with the Clinic Director, coordinates staff schedules, trains new and existing team members, maintains emergency supplies, monitors infection control protocols, operates digital imaging, maintains equipment logs, and supports sterilization procedures.

The position also performs front‑desk duties, including greeting patients, scheduling appointments, answering phones, and maintaining patient files.

• Required Education and Experience
• 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.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Required Skills and Abilities
• Ability to travel between clinical locations in Philadelphia and Tamaqua.
• Ability to obtain Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearances.
• Knowledge of standard and complex procedures performed in the clinic’s specialty area.
• Chair‑side assistance skills.
• Proficiency with dental instruments, sterilizers, operatory equipment, infection control apparatus, x‑ray equipment, and other standard dental tools.
• Capability to work with a diverse population 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 handling potential pathogens during assisting and sterilization procedures.
• Adherence to legal and ethical boundaries set by the state.
• Demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Adaptability to change.
• Commitment to providing strong customer service.

Essential Duties

• Assist with training of new and current staff on clinical equipment, policies and procedures.
• Prepare departmental reports and review clinical revenue.
• Manage the clinic recall list.
• Chairside assist faculty and residents during routine and complex procedures.
• Ensure patient care is appropriate and efficient.
• Assist with regulatory compliance (HIPAA, OSHA, emergency preparedness, infection control, etc.).
• Sterilize and maintain dental equipment and instruments, run spores tests.
• Maintain equipment and safety logs required by the university.
• Disinfect operatories between and after patient visits.
• Coordinate appliance delivery between laboratories and patients.
• Ensure timely repairs of equipment, furniture and facilities.
• Perform chart review.
• Maintain patient confidentiality.
• Coordinate purchasing of inventory, implants, abutments and related dental supplies, and maintain records.
• Take, process and mount digital X‑rays.
• Serve as an information resource, resolve problems, refer residents, students, faculty, staff, patients or internal/external constituents to appropriate sources.
• Maintain or update clinic forms, handouts and patient education materials.
• Use computer, printer, copier, autoclave, ultrasonic unit, operatory suction equipment, infection control materials, dental X‑ray equipment, amalgamators, curing lights, and high/low speed handpieces.
• Perform similar functions in other departments as needed.
• Support front‑desk operations: checking patients, scheduling, processing credit card payments, answering calls.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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.

In the performance of their functions as detailed in the position description, employees have an obligation to avoid conflicts of interest that may conflict with their primary employment responsibilities at the institution.

#J-18808-Ljbffr