Dental Hygienist

SUMMARY
Under the direct supervision of the Dental Administrator and in collaboration with the Dental Director; the Dental Hygienist performs dental measures designed to preserve teeth and prevent the spread of oral disease by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: including the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Periodontal procedures to include prophylaxis and scaling, maintain patient records, assist with appointment procedures, develop and maintain a soft tissue maintenance program, and perform other duties allowed within hygienist licensure while being available to assist other office staff with office procedures as necessary.
2. Function as a PA 161 hygienist during outreach events and as needed by medical staff.
3. Receives patients for hygiene related duties and is able to answer questions regarding dental problems and procedures.
4. Initiate new patient records, take intra-oral and extra-oral dental x-rays, take dental impressions and can complete a through dental examination with full periodontal charting.
5. Able to perform root planning and scaling procedures, dental prophylaxis procedures, give topical fluoride treatments, apply dental sealants, and give adequate oral hygiene instructions along with other duties normally assigned to a dental hygienist.
6. Maintains departmental patient files according to established filing systems, communicates patient dental information to the dentist.
7. Will maintain all instruments required for care, understand and are able to perform proper sharpening procedures for those instruments.
8. Understands and performs proper infection control procedures as they apply to the patient’s care, to proper handling of instruments, and to post treatment dental treatment room and instrument clean up.
9. Ability to work with patients who are young children and senior citizens; work with culturally diverse patient population while respecting each patient’s dignity, rights and individuality.
10. Maintains a courteous, helpful and conscientious attitude in dealing with co-workers and patients and their families ensuring professionalism and confidentiality at all times.
11. Regular and prompt attendance at work.
12. All other duties assigned.