Dental Hygienist - Bowdon, GA

SUMMARY: The purpose of the Dental Hygienist position is to support patients efficiently and effectively in achieving and maintaining optimal oral health. They assist Dentists by conducting screenings, taking X-rays, and providing support during dental visits, ensuring comprehensive care and promoting overall dental well-being.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Administers local anesthetic agents.
• Applies fluorides or other cavity preventing agents to arrest dental decay.
• Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment of patients.
• Charts conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
• Cleans calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
• Conducts dental health clinics for community groups to augment services of dentist.
• Documents dental history or chief complaint; records and reports pertinent observations and patient reactions to dental staff, as appropriate; documents lab procedures and ensures follow up on results.
• Evaluates overall oral health, examining oral cavity for signs of periodontal disease or possible cancers, including sores, recessed & bleeding gums, and oral lesions.
• Examines gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
• Exposes and develops x-ray films.
• Feels and visually examines gums for sores and signs of disease.
• Feels lymph nodes under patient's chin to detect swelling or tenderness that could indicate presence of oral cancer.
• Follows through with oral hygiene procedures in accordance with treatment plans prescribed by the attending dentist. Procedures may include Prophylaxis, Periodontal Scaling, Root Planing, Debridement, Application of Fluoride Treatments, and Application of Protective Sealants.
• Maintains dental equipment and sharpen and sterilize dental instruments.
• Maintains patient recall system.
• Makes impressions for study casts.
• Oversees and manages periodontal patient recall programs.
• Reviews patient's medical and dental history for evidence of past and present conditions such as medical illnesses and use of drugs.
• Examines teeth and surrounding tissues for evidence of caries, periodontal disease and then record findings.
• Inspects head and neck, examines mouth, throat and pharynx for evidence of disease such as oral cancer and/or soft tissues pathosis.
• Exposes, develops, and interprets radiographs to identify tooth structure, periodontal support and other abnormalities
• Performs pit and fissure sealant applications
• Develops dental hygiene treatment plans for patients including assessment of the problem, type and extent of treatment required
• Polishes teeth and applies disclosing solutions, fluorides, desensitizing agents, and other topical medications to the teeth
• Provides oral prophylaxis, preventive dentistry procedures and non-surgical periodontal therapy to active-duty military personnel and eligible beneficiaries.
• Provides clinical services or health education to improve and maintains the oral health of patients or the public.
• Records and reviews patient medical histories.
• Removes excess cement from coronal surfaces of teeth.
• Removes sutures and dressings.
• Reviews and completes preliminary dental examinations for new periodontal and recalls patients.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree (AA) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school, or six months to one-year related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certificates, licenses, and registrations required:  
  1. Current X-ray and CPR Certification.
  2. Current and unrestricted State Board Registered Hygienist License.
  3. Valid state license to administer local anesthetics (if applicable).
• Computer skills required: Basic computer skills 
• Other skills required: 
  1. Knowledge of dental terminology and equipment.
  2. Knowledge of techniques of chairside assistance.
  3. Knowledge of dental laboratory procedures.
  4. Skill in dental hygiene techniques and in the use of the tools and equipment of the dental hygienist profession.
  5. Ability to evaluate the dental status of patients.
  6. Ability to maintain records and prepare reports related to the work.
  7. Ability to communicate effectively.

COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Change’s approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.