Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist

Dept./Program: Dental

Employment Status: Full Time

Division: Health Systems

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Dental Director

Schedule: 40 hours/week

Preference: TERO Ordinance 2017-01, P.L. 93-638

Job Summary

Responsible for conducting dental hygiene examinations and treatment on un'ina and assisting in improving the knowledge level of un'ina on preventative oral hygiene.

Essential Functions

1. Performs routine dental hygiene examinations and clinical services.

• Record and maintaining periodontal charting.
• Record and maintain un'ina chart notes.
• Assists Dentist with Treatment plans.

2. Reviews un'ina medical and dental history for evidence of past and present conditions.

• Examines the teeth and surrounding tissues for evidences of plaque and periodontal disease.
• Takes digital and pantograph radiographs to identify tooth structures and abnormalities.
• Polishes teeth and applies medicaments required.
• Prepares tooth and applies pit and fissure sealants.
• Prepares and discusses dental hygiene treatment plans for un'ina including daily oral care requirements, proper techniques of oral hygiene, and disease prevention.
• Refers abnormalities to dentist for further discussion with un'ina.

3. Performs specialized dental hygiene procedures that could involve administration of local anesthetic.

• Performs deep sub-gingival scaling and root planning.
• Provides un'ina care instructions for post-operative care of un'ina.
• Coordinates and works with other team members to assure for the efficient and effective flow of un'ina through clinic.

4. Communicates effectively with other health care providers and un'ina.

• Provides verbal and written instructions in a clear and concise manner to ensure that instructions are understood.
• Sets expectations for the visit with the un'ina by listening to their concerns and addressing those, which can be addressed within the time scheduled and informing un'ina of the course of action to follow for other health care concerns.
• Instructs other health care professionals in the proper techniques of oral hygiene to be applied to un'ina.

5. Maintain Schedule and ensure optimal flow of daily duties.

• Confirm un'ina for their scheduled appointments.
• Making sure the afternoon and following morning un'ina, who were only left a message are going to make their scheduled appointments.
• Assisting other personnel by maintaining adequate sterilization.
• Help to maintain adequate inventory.
• Adhere to the Tribe's policies and procedures.

It is the intent of this job description to highlight the essential functions of the position; however, it is not an all-inclusive list. The incumbent may be called upon and required to follow or perform other duties and tasks requested by his/her supervisor, consistent with the purpose of the position, department and/or the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's objectives.

Working Conditions

Lifting Requirements

• Light work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that of sedentary work and if the worker sits most of the time, the job is considered light work.

Physical Requirements

• Stand or Sit (Stationary position)
• Walk (Move, Traverse)
• Use hands/fingers to handle or feel (Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position)
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl (Position self (to), Move)
• Talk/hear (Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information)
• See (Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess)
• Pushing or Pulling
• Repetitive Motion

Hazards and Atmospheric Conditions

• Mechanical Hazards
• Chemical Hazards
• Wet
• Noise
• Explosives Hazards
• Vibration
• Burn Hazards
• Mists or gases

OSHA Categories

• Category I - Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue

Travel

• Local
• In-State
• Out-of-State

Comments: Travel may be required for training.

Qualifications

Education

• Two year Dental Hygienist degree.

Experience

• Two years or more Dental Hygienist experience preferred.
• Experience working with Alaska Native or American Indian people preferred.

License/Certification

• Current Alaska Dental Hygienist licensure.
• Valid Alaska Driver License and insurable under the Tribe's policy.

Special Skills

• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.