Dental Hygienist

Description

• Knowledge of general principles of dentistry and advanced knowledge of dental hygiene.
• Cleans calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums using dental instruments.
• Examines gums using probes to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease. Feels lymph nodes under patient’s chin to detect swelling or tenderness that could indicate the presence of oral cancer.
• Applies fluorides or other cavity-preventing agents to arrest dental decay.
• Exposes and develops x-ray film.
• Records and reviews patient medical histories. Charts conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
• Maintains dental equipment and sharpens and sterilizes dental instruments.
• Provides clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.
• Navigate software without assistance.
• Must always represent the practice in a professional, pleasant, and cooperative manner.
• Maintain regular attendance and adhere to assigned work schedules and office policies.
• Must be flexible.
• Regular attendance of continuing education courses.
• Must maintain certification and/or license renewals as required by state.
• May be required to travel between office locations. Must be insurable by the company’s insurance.
• Performs other related duties as necessary or assigned by management.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be comfortable in a fast paced, quickly changing environment.
• Strong organization, interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
• Comfortable interacting with the general public.
• As a condition of employment, qualified applicants will be subject to a background check, including criminal history, driving history and character references.

Education and Experience:

• Associates Degree or the successful completion of a recognized vocational program in dental hygiene.
• State License
• CPR Certification
• Minimum two to four (2-4) years of relevant experience, preferably in a pediatric office.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Exposure of hazards to eyes, lungs, and other body parts.
• Exposure to chemicals and potentially hazardous materials.
• Must wear protective equipment (e.g. goggles, gloves, masks) to protect eyes, handle hot objects, or to avoid inhaling dust.
• Excellent speaking and listening skills, requiring the perception of speech.
• Must have high finger dexterity to perform duties involving work on the computer and with instruments.

Equipment Used:

• General office equipment (e.g. computer).
• Autoclave
• Ultrasonic
• Hand pieces, suction and a variety of instruments
• General lab equipment (e.g. model trimmer, etc.)
• X-ray equipment