Dental Hygienist

PURPOSE: Dental Hygienists are prevention-focused oral health professionals who have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program in an institution of higher education, licensed in dental hygiene to provide educational, clinical, research, administrative, and therapeutic services supporting total health through the promotion of optimum oral health.

Essential Functions:

1. In performing the dental hygiene process of care, the dental hygienist educates patients regarding oral hygiene and preventive oral care; assesses the patient's oral tissues and overall health determining the presence or absence of disease, other abnormalities and disease risks; develops a dental hygiene diagnosis based on clinical findings; formulates evidence-based, patient-centered treatment care plans; performs the clinical procedures outlined in the treatment care plan; and evaluates the outcomes of educational strategies and clinical procedures provided.
2. Clinical procedures provided typically include removal of plaque, calculus, and stains from the teeth, exposing and processing dental X-rays, applying cavity-preventive agents, such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants, and administering antimicrobial agents. In some states, they also administer local anesthetics and nitrous oxide; place and carve filling materials, temporary fillings, and periodontal dressings; remove sutures; perform root-planning as a periodontal therapy; and smooth and polish restorations. In addition, they can prepare clinical and laboratory diagnostic tests for interpretation by other health professionals.
3. Examines individuals requesting care, assesses their dental/oral conditions, prescribes, and carries out, or directs others in carrying out, appropriate dental/oral treatment, or refers individuals for specialty consultation or treatment in conformance with approved clinical protocols and guidelines.
4. Educates individuals in the nature of oral health related conditions and in the general promotion of oral health related disease prevention.
5. Serves on the dental staff and other center committees as assigned.
6. Assists in the provision of technical assistance and health education to the community as requested.
7. Participates in short- and long-term program planning for the Dental Department and the agency, including development of goals and objectives.

Education and Training:

• Graduation from an accredited dental hygienist school
• Minimum of three years clinical experience preferred
• Ability to be clinically fluent in Spanish preferred
• Knowledge of public health principles and practices preferred
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills required

Licensure and Credentials:

• Florida license to practice dental hygiene
• Current CPR (BLS) certifications. ACLS preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

• Requires a comprehensive knowledge of primary dental care in outpatient settings.
• Knowledge of the Principles and Practice of modern dental hygiene as related to public health organizations and community health programs as well as current social and economic problems pertaining to public health and their impact on primary health care.
• Must be cognizant of the prevalent stressors and their impact on both the professional provider and the patient populations in the community health center primary care settings.
• Be aware of pressures, economic and other wise, from private, public, and legislative arenas as they mold the climate in which public health agencies operate.
• Creatively work with other health care professionals from a variety of disciplines to achieve maximal productivity and programmatic effectiveness while continuously promoting the growth and development of fellow professionals, exercising appropriate supervisory control, and displaying good work judgment.
• Knowledge, skills, ability, and willingness to function as a chair-side assistant

EFFECT OF ERRORS:

• Errors can expose the Center to embarrassment and liability.

HOURS OF WORK: A minimum of 40 per week and as needed. May require work on nights and some weekends.

SALARY RANGE: As specified in Notice of Hire.