Pay Range: $21.12 - $24.84/hourly (Based on experience)

We are seeking a patient-oriented and adaptable Dental Assistant Substitute who will prepare rooms and patients for quality dental treatment by ensuring all necessary established systems and processes are followed.

Location: Stephen Klein Wellness Center, 2144 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19121

The Dental Assistant Substitute will be called in as needed Monday-Friday 8:30a-4:30pm.

Job Summary:
The Dental Assistant (Substitute) is a key member of the dental team who supports the delivery of oral health services at the Stephen Klein Wellness Center on call, as needed. Responsibilities include supporting dental providers during patient care, counseling patients and promoting oral health, infection prevention and exposure control, instrument reprocessing, maintaining inventory and labs, and maintenance of dental equipment and supplies. The Dental Assistant (Substitute) will be called upon to support operations as staffing needs arise, will perform other functions as needed, and will work closely with the Stephen Klein Wellness Center (SKWC) clinical and operations staff to foster collaboration and ensure a smooth patient experience. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols. 
• Prepare patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and draping patient and documenting check-in updates in electronic dental record.
• Document dental care services by charting in patient electronic records.
• Provide information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests.
• Provide materials by selecting, mixing, and placing materials on instruments for dentist's access.
• Provide instrumentation by sterilizing and delivering instruments to treatment area; positioning instruments for dentist's access; suctioning; passing instruments using four handed techniques.
• Provide diagnostic information by exposing digital radiographic studies, pouring and trimming study casts.
• Clean and polish removable appliances; fabricate and polish temporary restorations.
• Conserve dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed.
• Manage patient flow and triage walk ins.
• Ensure operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; requesting and following up with repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; learning new equipment and techniques; recording maintenance in logs.
• Ensure all lab and clinic supplies are ordered in a timely manner; maintain dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipate needed supplies; place and expedite orders for supplies; verify receipt of supplies.
• Document receipt of dental supplies, dental lab work, repairs, and additional services.
• Educate patients by giving post-operative instructions.
• Communicate with Receptionist time /date /procedure of next appointment by documenting next visit information in electronic dental record.
• Maintain dental lab work area, keep cases in alphabetical order, and track turnaround times for lab cases; Communicate with lab when a case is overdue; Communicate with receptionist when patient cases are not delivered in a timely manner.
• Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by supervisor or manager.

Education and Experience Requirements:

Minimum Experience:

• Current Radiology certificate
• Current CPR (BLS) certification
• Demonstrate the ability to understand the overall purpose of clinical care and importance of support staff Demonstrate judgment, patience, integrity, organization, and prioritization in multi-task environment Attention to detail, dependability, listening and communication skills, and flexibility
• Demonstrate cultural competency and take a trauma-informed and harm-reduction approach to health care
• Competency in the use of Electronic Health Records and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and the internet

What Else You May Bring:

• 3 years of experience as a Dental Assistant or EFDA Experience in a clinical environment
• Experience with eClinicalWorks a plus
• Prior experience delivering services to persons with histories of homelessness, mental illness, substance dependence, and trauma
• Bilingual (Spanish/English)
• Prior experience working in an FQHC setting

Core Skills:

• Strong computer and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate as a member of a team.
• Ability to handle stressful situations while providing exceptional customer service.
• Excellent communication skills including diplomacy and tact with patients.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to display a non-judgmental attitude.
• Ability to remain solution-focused and respectful in all interactions with staff, co- workers, vendors, and clients.
• Excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge of de-escalation methods or willingness to be trained in these methods

Physical requirements:

• Ability to work for long periods of time standing, sitting, bending
• Occasional lifting of 40-50lbs and pushing of 5-20lbs
• A medium to high level of manual dexterity

Project HOME provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Project HOME prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.