Dental Hygienist

Minimum Qualifications:

• Degree: Associates Degree or Bachelor’s Degree depending on the program.
• Education: Successful completion of a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association (ADA).
• Certification: Certified in radiography as required by 42 CFR Part 75.
• Experience: As required to meet clinical competency requirements specified in the Service-specific credentialing instructions.
• License: Current, full, active, and unrestricted license as a Dental Hygienist.

Core Duties:

• Examine patient's oral cavity to include mouth, throat, and pharynx, and record conditions of teeth and surrounding tissues.
• Refer patients to dentist who have abnormalities to include cavities, defective fillings, suspicious growths, or periodontal disease.
• Apply desensitizing and other topical agents to treat abnormalities to include caries prevention, gingivitis and oral ulceration.
• Instruct patients, individually and in groups, in proper oral hygiene care using materials to include teeth models, displays, slides, toothbrushes, dental floss, disclosing tablets and mirrors. Demonstrate proper techniques of brushing, flossing, and use of necessary periodontal aids.
• Explain the common causes of tooth decay and its relationship to general diet.
• Take impressions and construct sports/safety mouth guards and soft night guards for vital bleaching.