What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dental Hygienist position at The Forsyth Institute?
Description
The ADA Forsyth Institute was founded in 1910 as the Forsyth Dental Infirmary for Children (later, the Forsyth Institute), to provide dental care to the disadvantaged children of Boston. While continuing to serve children in need, yet recognizing the ultimate goal is to prevent dental disease, the Institute in 1915 began to focus on scientific research and is today the world’s leader in oral health research. In October of 2023, the Institute joined with the American Dental Association to form the ADA Forsyth Institute, a 501(c)(3) entity dedicated to improving people’s oral and overall health and powering the profession of dentistry through cutting-edge basic research, creative translational science, innovative clinical technologies, and global public health outreach. Consistent with the Institute’s founding mission, the ADA ForsythKids mobile dental program continues to serve children in need.
Summary:
ADA Forsyth Faculty Associates Dental Clinic is looking for a dedicated Dental Hygienist to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will conduct oral examinations, serves as a preventative care specialist and provides educational, clinical and therapeutic services supporting total health through the promotion of optimal oral health. In addition, the Dental Hygienist provides treatment that helps to prevent oral diseases. The successful candidate will be self-driven, collaborative, patient-focused, and possess excellent clinical skills.
Responsibilities:
- Reviews charts, updates medical histories, and contacts physicians’ offices with the permission of the patient and dentist for information regarding the patients’ health.
- Provides services according to guidelines set by the dentist and any instructions from the patient’s personal physician. Records treatment performed and treatment plan prescribed by the dentist after patient visit.
- Examines the mouth to conduct initial soft tissue examination, including oral cancer screening, to identify dental problems. Exposes and processes dental x-rays and alerts the dentist to observations.
- Performs oral prophylaxis on patients scaling and polishing the teeth to remove stains, plaque, and calculus from tooth surfaces. Applies cavity prevention agents such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants.
- Maintains accurate medical/dental records and documentation on each patient’s chart.
- Educates patients on proper diet, proper brushing and flossing technique, and the use of special home care instruments. Clarifies health questions and summarizes the dental findings of the exam and explains the needed treatment.
- Practices and maintains proper infectious disease control procedures.
- Maintains dental instruments and equipment in proper working order. Monitors and maintains supply inventory.
- Attends continuing education programs as required to maintain license to practice as a dental hygienist.
Qualifications:
- Education: Possession of an Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene from a school accredited by the American Dental Association.
- Minimum of one year of experience as a Dental Hygienist, prefer experience with patient behavioral management.
- Certified in local anesthesia, preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to perform physical movements specific to dental hygiene, including repetitive actions required for scaling and polishing of teeth.
- Ability to deal with the visual restraints of working in the oral cavity.
Working Conditions:
- Ability to work in an area with high noise levels caused by dental equipment.
- Exposure to chemicals found in dental materials and products, such as acids and disinfectants.
- Exposure to biological hazards such as blood borne pathogens, infectious diseases, contaminated wastes, saliva, and radiation.
