Dental Hygienist

At our outpatient dental facility in Philadelphia, special needs dentists provide comprehensive oral healthcare to individuals with intellectual, psychological or developmental disabilities who require general anesthesia to safely receive care.  

www.specialsmilesltd.com  

Job Overview 

The dental hygienist promotes dental health by completing dental prophylaxis; providing oral cancer screening and radiographic studies; charting conditions of decay and disease; performing procedures in compliance with the dental practice act.  The dental hygienist is responsible for the first level of patient care and assisting the dentist with other duties as required, in taking care of the patient.   
 

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Collect medical and dental histories from patients 
• Chart dental conditions based on dentist’s observations and evaluations 
• Create molds of patient’s teeth in preparation for dentures, bridges and other protheses 
• Sterilize dental instruments and tools 
• Instruct patients and/or their families/guardians on proper dental hygiene and care 
• Take X-rays of patient’s teeth and prepare them for dentist’s use 
• Provide chair side assistance during procedures 

Qualifications 

• Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene required, Bachelor’s preferred 
• Current state license required 
• 3+ years’ experience as Dental Hygienist 
• Excellent verbal communications skills 
• Availability to work overtime 
• Experience working with the adult disabled community preferred 
• Basic understanding and knowledge of HIPAA privacy rules 
• Current CPR certification required 
• Must be able to walk, lift and stand for long periods of time