Dental Hygienist

JOB SUMMARY

Provide quality dental care and associated services to patients under the general supervision of a dentist and using established dental hygiene procedures. Assist other staff in a variety of patient care, office and laboratory duties. Perform broad responsibilities for clinic and community dental health education activities

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Provide direct patient care and dental services as trained, licensed, and assigned. Assess dental condition and needs of patient using approved patient screening procedures, including medical history review, dental charting, and periodontal charting. 
• Evaluate overall oral health, examining oral cavity for signs of periodontal disease or possible cancers, including recessed & bleeding gums, and oral lesions. 
• Expose, process and mount radiograph films. 
• Document dental history or chief complaint; record and report pertinent observations and patient reactions to dentists, as appropriate. 
• Document lab procedures and ensure follow up on results. 
• Follow through with oral hygiene procedures in accordance with treatment plans prescribed by the attending dentist. Procedures may include: Prophylaxis, periodontal scaling, root planning, debridement, supra and subgingival scaling and curettage, application of fluoride treatments, and application of protective sealants. 
• Assist with or initiate emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment of patients. 
• Conduct dental health clinics for community groups to augment services of dentists. 
• Help patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment. 
• Educate patients in oral hygiene and dental care, including proper tooth brushing, flossing, nutrition and need for professional care. 
• Demonstrate commitment to the mission of the organization in promoting dental health. 
• Interact positively with a diverse, sometimes difficult, and demanding patient population. Provide service in a manner that is appropriate for the patient’s age; demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to meet the patient’s physical, psychosocial, and educational and safety needs. 
• Read, write, and maintain patient records and related administrative documentation. 
• Utilize the requisite tools, systems, technology and equipment in the collection of patient data, records management and collections. 
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of dentistry procedures, clinic infection control procedures, cleaning and sterilization of instruments, tray setup and materials. 
• Demonstrate knowledge of established oral hygiene concepts and periodontal therapies

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or equivalent. Successful completion of an accredited dental hygienist program. Current Registered Dental Hygienist with state licensure. Current BLS, medical emergencies, and radiation safety certification. 

Minimum five (5) years of experience in clinical dental hygiene or a minimum with 4,000 hours performing primarily prophylaxis or periodontal debridement under the supervision of a licensed dentist, preferred.

Designation as a Public Health Dental Hygienist by Oral Health Section of NC DHHS, preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Customer Relations:

• Respond promptly and with caring actions to patients and employees. Acknowledge psychosocial, spiritual and cultural beliefs and honor these beliefs.
• Maintain professional working relationships with all levels of staff, clients and the public.
• Be part of a team and cooperate in accomplishing department goals and objectives

Safety:

• Maintain current knowledge of policies and procedures as they relate to safe work practices.
• Follow all safety procedures and report unsafe conditions.
• Use appropriate body mechanics to ensure an injury free environment.
• Be familiar with location of nearest fire extinguisher and emergency exits.
• Follow all infection control procedures including blood-borne pathogen protocols.

HIPAA/Compliance:

• Maintain privacy of all patient, employee and volunteer information and access such information only on a need to know basis for business purposes.
• Comply with all regulations regarding corporate integrity and security obligations.
• Report any behavior and/or activity that is unethical, fraudulent, or unlawful.

Skillset

• Demonstrated success with clear thinking and ability to reorganize as needed. 
• Demonstrated success in working independently, prioritization and problem solving. Demonstrated success in organization abilities. 
• Demonstrated success in computer skills including ability to use computer for scheduling, dental records and digital x-rays. 
• Demonstrated success in customer service/patient services or working with the general public, preferably in a medical care facility and/or m
• Demonstrated success in managing difficult customer/patient situations. 
• Significant knowledge of dental practices and procedures. 
• Demonstrated success and experience with direct patient services and the proper knowledge and use of dental devices and equipment. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Fingering/Grasping/Feeling: This position requires manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination for easy and skillful use of hands when working with and performing normal office duties and responsibilities. 
• Normal clinic working environment and /or mobile dental van clinic.
• Requires good verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to speak and read the English language. 
• Ability to move freely (standing, stooping, walking, bending, pushing and pulling). 
• Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Seeing: Must be able to read head written and printed material, as well as use computer, fax machine, Xerox machine and other medical equipment in accordance with specialty. 
• Hearing: Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with coworkers and others. Good hearing is necessary to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make fine discriminations in sound.
• Sitting: Must be able to sit for the majority of the work shift while answering telephone and communicating with others. 
• Standing/Walking/Mobility: Must be able to stand intermittently and be capable of walking on hardwood and linoleum floors with concrete underpayments. Must be able to walk between various clinical areas and departments. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Fast paced work environment. 
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 
• Ability to perform job duties listed above in mobile dental van unit as well as in clinic.

DISCLAIMER The above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions, subject to reasonable accommodations. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or abilities deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related instructions, as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.