Dental Hygienist, Oral Medicine/Triage Support, Penn Dental Medicine

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Dental Hygienist, Oral Medicine/Triage Support, Penn Dental Medicine

Job Profile Title
Dental Hygienist

Job Description Summary
Penn Dental Medicine's Oral Medicine's clinic and teams collaborate with experts across multiple disciplines to provide comprehensive care for individuals in need of non-surgical treatment for conditions of the mouth, teeth, jaw and face. Our specialists in oral medicine diagnosis consult and give non-surgical medical treatment for many conditions.

At Penn Dental Medicine, our students are among the nation’s best, and they are matched in quality by the high level of instruction and research among our faculty. Our research encompasses all the basic and clinical sciences, and Penn’s emphasis on interdisciplinary scholarship encourages collaborations across disciplines. Our clinical care brings the latest techniques and technologies to patients within our teaching clinics and faculty practice. As stewards of the neighborhood in which we reside, Penn Dental Medicine participates in a diversity of community outreach programs, serving area residents while teaching our students to practice with compassion and responsibility.

Job Description

PDM's Oral Medicine Clinic is seeking a full-time dental hygienist to support and fulfill the following expectations:

PATIENT CARE

• Escort patients to and from operatories

• Prepares patients for dental hygiene treatment by setting up and breaking down operatory, as well as nitrous units when needed

• Maintain patient confidence and protect operations by keeping information confidential

• Supports dentist with nitrous oxide unit set-up and monitoring levels through duration of patient appointment

• Help to acquaint patients with preventive care-oriented practice philosophy

• Help to maintain and manage patient recall system

• Perform thorough oral prophylaxis (cleanings) on scheduled patients which include proper use of ultrasonic cleaning devices, scaling instruments, polishing and flossing

• Conduct dental and periodontal assessments, providing oral cancer screening, charting conditions of decay and disease (via axiUm), capturing digital images (via MiPacs) and documenting interventions performed electronically by recording vital signs, clinical notes and procedures.

• Arrests dental decay by applying topical fluorides and occlusal sealants on indicated patients, recommending cavity-preventing agents as needed

• Educate and motivate patients by giving oral hygiene and plaque control instructions, presents and explain treatment plants to patients, demonstrate effective communication to bridge the gap between a pending treatment plan and a completed treatment plan, provide postoperative instructions and schedules and subsequent visits.

• Support and supervise predoctoral students in all aspects of radiology; including interpretation of information

• Explain treatment alternatives to patients

• Review and revise patient histories and record patient's vital signs

• Chart existing restorations on new patients and notate clinical evidence of disease presence

• Records specific treatment performed on patient chart, as well as other patient information as needed

• Provides digital x-rays and chairside assistance when available, as needed

• Helps to reconfirm and schedule patient appointments

OPERATIONS

• Ensure that operatories are well supplied with necessary supplies

• Handle sharpening, sterilization, and maintenance of all instruments and equipment

• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.

• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.

• Conserves dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results; monitors inventory; maintains proper usage and operations of equipment.

• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.

• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing and supporting as assigned.

• Support students and residents in developing skills in clinical setting and patient care.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

• Provide and maintain expertise in innovative solutions focused on the responsible stewardship of Penn Dental Medicine and its community experience.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE & POSITION EXPECTATIONS

• An associate’s degree or two-year college equivalent in dental hygiene and 3 years to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

• CPR certification required.

• Employment clearance through the State of PA to work on/with children: as determined through Pennsylvania Criminal Background Check, Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance and FBI Finger Printing Database is required.

• Experience with Axium preferred.

• Flexibility to accommodate different scheduling requirements based on the operational needs of the clinic.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
School of Dental Medicine

Pay Range
$31.55 - $52.00 Hourly Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin   (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics) , citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected   under applicable federal, state or local law .

Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

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Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits  to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

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Tuition : Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits . You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. You