Veterinary Denistry and Oral Surgery Nurse

VETERINARY DENTISTRY AND ORAL SURGERY NURSE
Ryan Veterinary Hospital
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. 

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

VETERINARY DENTISTRY AND ORAL SURGERY NURSE

Job Profile Title

Veterinary Technician B
Job Description Summary

This position will provide nursing support to a busy Dentistry and Oral Surgery Service.
Job Description

Responsibilities:

Client Communication/Education: Review the preoperative and postoperative considerations with clients

Triage cases and prioritize those that are time sensitive

Nursing Duties: - This includes preoperative test requests and sample collection, fluid administration, catheter placement, postoperative care, anesthetize patients when needed(cross train in anesthesia)
Clinical dental and oral surgical procedures – Technicians/hygienists perform the initial portion of the anesthetized patient's treatment, including oral examination, dental charting, taking and processing intraoral radiographs, administering oral nerve blocks, scaling, root planing, gingival curettage, polishing of teeth and making dental models.

Surgical/dental assisting - The dental assistant is supportive of the ongoing clinical procedures in the surgical operatory, such as setting up the surgical room for the specific procedures of the day and then break-down/cleaning of the instruments and equipment. During the patient’s anesthetized procedure, the assistant provides instruments and supplies for specific types of dental procedures (e.g., root canal therapy, impressions for orthodontics, etc.) and various oral surgeries (e.g., mandibulectomies/maxillectomies, palate repairs, etc.)

Clinical research assisting – DOS research projects may be clinically driven or retrospective, and thus our patients are our research subjects. This inherent overlap necessitates that our technicians/hygienists perform clinical details of research projects, such as collecting samples from anesthetized patients, obtaining measurements of periodontal attachment loss, gingival inflammation, plaque/calculus accumulation, processing of blood, urine, cultures, etc. Retrospective studies utilize the research assistant to support the project with administrative duties.  We always make an attempt to include salary recovery for technicians/hygienists though this is not always possible in the case of foundation grants that do not allow inclusion of salary recovery.
Equipment Maintenance - Routine and emergency repair of dental equipment, instrument sharpening, monitoring inventory of all dental and oral surgical equipment, materials and supplies necessary to keep the service functioning

Administrative duties - Copying and filing dental records and student handouts
Teaching - Technicians/hygienists are imperative in clinical teaching of our students, residents and Harcum students, helping in rounds and wet labs to fourth-year students who rotate through the two-week clinical rotation in dentistry and oral surgery. Assist in teaching duties VCSP877 (rotation labs-135 hrs + instruction during anesthetized procedures), Lecture 2-3hrs per year to Harcum students and assisting in clinical rotation. Assist in Continuing Education wet labs for practicing veterinarians and technicians (60 hrs, including organizing, teaching wet-labs).
Qualifications:

Must be an active Certified Veterinary Technician

Veterinary Technician A- 0-1 year of Veterinary Dentistry Experience

Veterinary Technician B- 1-2 years of Veterinary Dentistry Experience and is Certified

Veterinary Technician C- 3-4 years of Veterinary Dentistry Experience and is Certified

Veterinary Technician D- 5+ years of Veterinary Dentistry Experience and is VTS eligible

Veterinary Technician E- 10+ years of Veterinary Dentistry Experience and is VTS

Hours: Full-Time:  40 hrs M-Th 7:30-5:30

Preferred VTS (Dentistry) but not required
Strong interest in Veterinary Dentistry and wanting to grow within the field
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Excellent team player
Passion for teaching and lecturing
Thrive under a fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding work environment
Must be able to work independently as well as in a team environment
Excellent organizational skills essential
Physical Requirements: Ability to lift >20 pounds, standing and reaching for prolonged periods of time, kneeling and bending on hard floors

Working conditions: crowded, small spaces, extensive PPE, safety training

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Veterinary Medicine

Pay Range

$16.23 - $29.22

Affirmative Action Statement 
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

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