Dental Hygienist

Description

 JOB DESCRIPTION

• This job serves as the dental hygienist with responsibility for conducting oral examinations, performing dental prophylaxis, and carrying out other duties related to preservation of dental health and prevention of dental disease. The employee performs a full range of dental hygienist assignments in a full-functioning capacity. Work is performed under the supervision of a licensed dentist and considerable independent judgment is required to provide appropriate dental services.

PART I: ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTION AND DUTIES

1. Performs oral prophylaxis on patients, scaling, root planning and polishing the teeth to remove stains, plaque, and calculus from tooth surfaces using hand scalers, ultrasonic cleaning instruments and motor- or air-driven dental polishers.
2. Examines the mouth to determine if there are dental problems such as conditions of periodontal disease or tooth decay, charts findings, and reports same to dentist.
3. Instructs patients in proper methods of tooth brushing and flossing techniques, care and cleaning of dentures, maintenance of oral health, and/or proper usage of non-prescription medication.
4. Creates and maintains dental treatment charts and records.
5. Exposes and processes dental radiographs using bite wings, periapical films, and related equipment; reads dental radiographs and alerts dentist to observations.
6. Assists dentist at chair side during restorative, surgical, and endodontic procedures.
7. Practices and maintains proper infectious disease control procedures, including cleaning and sterilization of dental instruments and disinfection of dental equipment.
8. Maintains dental instruments and equipment in proper working order; follows procedures to maintain security of medications, instruments, and needles.
9. Schedules dental appointments and maintains appointment records.
10. Applies topical fluorides, topical anesthetics, and desensitizing agents to teeth and/or gums.
11. Completes chartings, orders inventory, and performs related dental office duties.
12. Removes periodontal and surgical packs and sutures.
13. Conducts health screening of incoming patients by performing an oral examination, taking panoral x-rays, examining and charting existing dental conditions, determining if patient needs emergency treatment, and refers patient to dental clinic.
14. Performs related work as assigned.
     

PART II: CLINIC WIDE RESPONSIBILITIES

Customer Relations:

1. Treats guests, patients, physicians, and other employees with care, courtesy, and respect.
2. Responds quickly and appropriately to customer request.
3. Looks for and suggests ways to better meet customer needs.
4. Answers clinic communications systems promptly and with courtesy and respect.

Communications:

1. Keeps appropriate people informed.
2. Speaks and writes clearly, concisely, and appropriately for need.
3. Listens carefully.
4. Communicates tactfully.
5. Understands that all confidentiality and privacy considerations are respected and fostered at work and off duty.

Benefits:

Medical

Dental

Vision

STD

LTD

Flexible Spending Account

403B

Lifestyle and quality of life uniqueness (M-F, Closed Weekends)

Practice focuses on delivery of quality care (Federally Qualified Health Centers)

CME Eligible

Competitive Compensation Package

Qualifications

PART III:    EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE

1. Possession of an associate's degree in dental hygiene.
2. Two years of experience as a dental hygienist with One year experience in a dental or medical clinic.

 
Special Requirements, Licenses, and Certifications

1. Licensure by the Board of Dentistry as a registered dental hygienist.
   .

PART IV: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Considerable knowledge of equipment and procedures used in dental prophylactic treatments.
2. Considerable knowledge of dental terminology and equipment.
3. Considerable knowledge of techniques of chair side assistance.
4. Considerable knowledge of dental laboratory procedures.
5. Some knowledge of methods and procedures of providing dental care for children and patients in a clinic setting.
6. Skill in dental hygiene techniques and in the use of the tools and equipment of the dental hygienist profession.
7. Ability to evaluate the dental status of patients.
8. Ability to instruct patients in oral hygiene procedures.
9. Ability to maintain records and prepare reports related to the work.
10. Ability to communicate effectively.

Salary : $66,000 - $77,800