What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dental Hygienist position at Beaufort Jasper?
POSITION SUMMARY
The dental hygienist provides oral care such as debridement, hand scaling and regular cleanings to patients and provides them with information to assist with developing and maintaining good oral health.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Delivers direct patient care to patients as assigned, using established dental hygienist procedures
- Performs patient triage and initiates patient care as appropriate for walk-in patients
- Develops and implements individualized dental care plans for patients
- Assesses the nature and extent of dental, periodontics and associated conditions and pathology in dental outpatients
- Assesses dental condition and needs of patient by analyzing medical records and prescribed protocol to formulate effective therapeutic treatment plans
- Uses patient screening procedures to include medical history review, dental charting and period charting
- Takes patient vital signs as required
- Documents dental history or chief complaint of patient
- Records and reports pertinent observations and patient reactions to dental staff, as appropriate
- Performs routine treatment procedures, such as cleaning, polishing, x-rays, application of sealants and fluorides, and related procedures
- Documents lab procedures and ensures follow up on results
- Independently performs emergency dental procedures
- Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment of patients
- Communicates technical information to non-technical personnel
- Sets up and prepares dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines
- Assists in preparation of patient care areas and in the patient admission, transfer and discharge process, as required
- Prepares reports and assists as required with patient reception, telephone calls, routine triage and other office duties
- Performs patient education, discharge planning and patient/family teaching under the supervision of a qualified dentist
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Associate’s degree from accredited dental hygiene program required. Bachelor’s degree from accredited dental hygiene program preferred.
- Minimum two years of dental hygienist experience
- Knowledge and understanding of dental surgery and associated procedures, terminology and techniques.
- Knowledge of federal, state and institutional regulations and guidelines for the provision of dental outpatient services
- Valid SC Dental Hygiene license.
- Current CPR certification.
