Dental Assistant

Position: Dental Assistant / Patient Service Representative

Job Code: #FPCN-DAPSR-09162024

Reports To: Practice Manager  

Location: 4700 Wissahickon Ave, Philadelphia  

Program Overview

The Family Practice & Counseling Network (FPCN) delivers comprehensive primary care, dental, and behavioral health services, founded on the belief that everyone deserves accessible, quality, and affordable healthcare. We prioritize delivering care in a culturally competent, trauma-informed, and compassionate manner, addressing the needs of the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Our mission is to provide integrated, person-centered health services to individuals and families throughout their lifespan, promoting resilience and well-being within our patient community and staff.

FPCN operates three comprehensive health centers, one convenient care center, and six school-based health centers in Philadelphia. We proudly serve over 15,000 patients annually and have earned recognition as a NCQA-certified Patient-Centered Medical Home, as well as acknowledgment from HRSA as a National Quality Leader for Behavioral Health.

We are excited to announce the opening of Philadelphia’s first Birth Center in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. This new 30,000 sq ft facility will feature exam rooms, birthing suites, community meeting areas, and a beautiful community garden park. The Family Health and Birthing Center will offer full prenatal, birth, and postpartum care in Southwest Philadelphia, alongside services like nutrition and exercise education, childbirth preparation, breastfeeding support, and mental health counseling. A dedicated team of professionals, including nurse midwives and doulas, will lead these services, supported by behavioral health specialists, addiction counselors, social workers, and registered nurses. Additional offerings will include transportation assistance, lactation counseling, parenting education, legal services, and complementary therapies such as yoga and meditation. All staff will receive training in anti-racism, justice, diversity, and inclusion (A-JEDI), trauma-informed care, and sanctuary model practices.

Position Summary

As a Dental Assistant / Patient Service Representative, you will play a crucial role in ensuring high-quality support services that enhance patient satisfaction while maintaining the operational efficiency of the Dental department. You are expected to provide competent and compassionate healthcare, contributing to a trauma-informed care system that recognizes the effects of trauma on all individuals interacting with our organization, including patients, families, caregivers, and staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

- Open the office each morning and start all necessary computer systems.

- Assist chair-side during dental procedures as needed.

- Be fully trained to support the dentist with all dental procedures.

- Power on equipment each day, log into Dentrix, and access patient records; ensure equipment is powered off at the end of the day.

- Seat patients promptly after check-in, update medical history, take blood pressure readings, and perform x-rays as directed by the dentist.

- Maintain current certifications and licenses for performing x-rays in Pennsylvania.

- Be proficient in digital x-ray (Denoptix) and electronic patient records (Dentrix).

- Educate patients on all procedures being performed.

- Stock operatories and assist other dental assistants in maintaining their supplies.

- Accurately chart all treatment plans and procedures in Dentrix.

- Complete lab work on time, including models, trays, and occlusal rims.

- Coordinate the tracking of outgoing and incoming lab cases, ensuring correct lab slips and return dates, and calling labs for pickups.

- Maintain a clean and organized workspace.

- Flush water lines daily and perform DUWL disinfection procedures weekly.

- Prepare route slips and schedules for the following day.

- Greet and register new and returning patients, updating their records as necessary.

- Verify treatment plans, insurance coverage, and financial information with patients upon arrival.

- Process insurance pre-determinations, addressing approvals and denials, and resolving denied claims.

- Collect patient payments and post them accurately.

- Scan all paper forms into Dentrix.

- Notify clinical staff of patient arrivals and any schedule changes.

- Confirm all appointments for the following day and follow up with no-show patients to reschedule.

- Retrieve phone messages, answer incoming calls, and schedule appointments.

- Check out patients, ensuring payment collection, accurate postings, and scheduling follow-up visits.

- Address patient inquiries regarding insurance and account balances.

Rotational Duties

- Maintain autoclave and Statim sterilizer.

- Manage distilled water systems.

- Perform monthly upkeep on the main trap in the compressor room.

- Replace plaster traps as needed.

- Conduct and document spore tests for autoclaves.

- Weekly checks of oxygen and nitrogen tanks.

Qualifications

- Minimum of three years as a dental assistant and one year working at a dental front desk.

- Certified Dental Assistant preferred, with x-ray certification.

- Knowledge of Dentrix software is required.

- Current CPR certification and Hepatitis B vaccination.

- Must be trained and proficient in digital x-ray and electronic patient records.

- Compliance with OSHA and CDC regulations is mandatory.

- Team player with a positive attitude and a patient-centered approach.

- Ability to travel between multiple locations.

- Exhibit behaviors aligned with FPCN’s values and mission, supporting a trauma-informed care system.

- Demonstrate cultural competence by treating colleagues and patients with respect and fairness.

- Ability to foster positive professional relationships based on trust and safety.

- Create a supportive environment for recovery and healing.

- Exemplary problem-solving, communication, and conflict resolution skills.

- Reliable, responsible, and courteous demeanor.

- Strict adherence to patient confidentiality.

- Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

- TB and Hepatitis B vaccinations required.

- COVID-19 vaccination required prior to employment.

- Ability to pass a criminal background check and complete the credentialing process.

Working Conditions

Hazard and Atmospheric Conditions:

- Exposure to fumes, loud noise, mists, gases, and mechanical hazards.

- High exposure to bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases.

Physical Requirements

- Lifting: Ability to exert up to 20 pounds frequently and move objects occasionally.

- Mobility: Ability to stand, walk, sit, and climb stairs/ladders as needed.

- Manual Dexterity: Use hands or fingers to handle or operate equipment, and perform repetitive motions.

- Communication: Ability to talk and hear to convey information clearly.

- Vision: Ability to see and assess visual details effectively.

- Additional: Ability to stand for long periods, carry equipment, and travel to/from 4700 Wissahickon Ave with reliable transportation.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Resources for Human Development is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, veteran, or disability status.

Visa Sponsorship: FPCN does not provide H1B Visa Sponsorship. All candidates must be U.S. citizens or authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Commitment to AJEDI: FPCN is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that does not discriminate against underrepresented communities. Our AJEDI initiatives aim to create a culturally competent and integrated workplace.

COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate: FPCN adheres to the COVID vaccine mandate for healthcare workers as per the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to employment. Currently, this does not include booster shots.