Dental Hygienist

Job Description

At Blount Rural Health Center , our goal is to provide the highest quality of care to our patients. The Dental Hygienist is vital part of the team and helps to build up our patients to a greater level of confidence. A smiling face and friendly attitude are a must for this role. This job description entails the responsibilities of Dental Hygienist; however, this is not an all-inclusive list as the position requires flexibility and acceptance of other tasks as assigned.

Job Duties:

• Welcomes patients by greeting with a friendly smile and great attitude
• Completes screening procedures, both general and oral health
• Obtains and interprets routine radiographs
• Works with dentist to complete examination and prepares treatment plans
• Performs oral prophylaxis and scaling/root planning
• Provides community-based dental prevention programs, community-based preventive activities such as group and individual education, oral hygiene instructions, nutritional counseling, fluoride application, and sealant placement
• Screens patients, reviewing patient’s oral health history and teaching appropriate brushing and flossing techniques
• Performs clinical treatment using established dental hygienist procedures
• Documents conditions of decay and diseases for diagnosis and treatment by DMD
• Administers local anesthetic agent
• Feels lymph nodes under patient’s chin to detect swelling or tenderness that could indicate presence of oral cancer
• May perform sterilization and assures clean, sterile technique is followed
• Conserves dental resources by elimination waste, adequate care of supplies and equipment
• Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements by following manufactures instructions, troubleshooting malfunctions, calling for repairs, maintaining equipment and supply inventories, and evaluating new equipment and techniques
• Participates in meetings, providing input and suggestions
• Participate in continuing education activities as required
• May assist in orientation of new staff

Physical Requirements:

Required to sit, stand, walk, bend, twist frequently throughout the day. May be required to lift up to 40 pounds, as needed.