Dental Hygienist

Christ Health Center is seeking a skilled and compassionate Dental Hygienist who is committed to promoting optimal oral health and educating patients in a supportive, mission-driven environment. The Dental Hygienist supports optimal oral health by providing dental debridement and prophylaxis; conducting oral cancer screenings and radiographic studies; charting conditions of decay and periodontal disease; applying dental sealants and preventive agents; and performing all procedures in compliance with the applicable Dental Practice Act and established clinical standards.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Work Hours:

Full-Time Monday - Friday 7:45 AM to 5:00 PM

Major Duties & Responsibilities:

• Cleans calculus deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums using dental instruments.
• Examines gums using periodontal probes to identify recession and signs of periodontal disease. Palpates lymph nodes under the patient’s chin to detect swelling or tenderness that may indicate oral cancer.
• Applies fluoride and other cavity-preventive agents to arrest dental decay.
• Exposes and processes dental radiographs in accordance with safety standards.
• Reviews and records patient medical histories. Charts conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by the dentist.
• Maintains dental equipment and ensures instruments are sharpened, sterilized, and properly stored. Performs monthly spore testing and autoclave maintenance in accordance with infection control standards.
• Provides clinical services and oral health education to promote and maintain the oral health of patients and the community.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• As a vital member of Christ Health, participates in the patient care team and daily huddles as deemed necessary by the Core Care Team to ensure coordinated, high-quality care.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of general principles of dentistry and advanced knowledge of dental hygiene.
• Strong customer service skills
• Bi-lingual in Spanish is preferred
• Requires clarity and accuracy of writing and verbal presentation; and interpersonal communication skills
• Requires attention to detail, effective organization skills, ability to work in a fast-paced situation and ability to self-direct with minimal supervision

Education & Experience

• Associates degree or the successful completion of a recognized vocational program in dental hygiene.
• Alabama State Hygiene license required.
• Minimum of three to five years of clinical experience is preferred
• Current Infectious Control Certification or verification of participation in recent classroom course
• Current BLS/ACLS Certification required

Physical Requirements

Ability to perform clinical duties requiring prolonged periods of standing, sitting, bending, and leaning.

Ability to stoop, reach, and grasp using arms and hands, demonstrating fine motor skills and manual dexterity necessary to operate dental instruments and communicate effectively with patients and team members.

Ability to lift, carry, and/or move up to 20 pounds as necessary to perform job-related tasks.

Ability to position patients and equipment safely during treatment procedures.

Ability to use a keyboard and visualize a computer monitor to enter and transform words or data. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

OSHA personal exposure risk category I & II

Airborne personal exposure risk category I (Possible exposure of the healthcare worker to patients capable of transmitting M. tuberculosis). Universal precautions will be adhered to at all times.