Dental Hygienist

POSITION SUMMARY

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Performs prophy, gross debridement, scaling, and fluoride treatment effectively.
• Performs all allowable expanded duties efficiently (e.g., give successful anesthetic)
• Recognizes when pre-medication or special attention is required (e.g., medical condition, wheelchair patient, etc.)
• Performs procedures with minimum discomfort to the patient.
• Handles all instruments efficiently and judiciously
• Executes predetermined procedures in a timely manner so as to stay on schedule
• Strives constantly to improve chair side skills continually
• Meets productivity goals for encounters.

• Demonstrate excellence in customer service.
• Demonstrate excellence in HIPAA compliance.

• Develop and maintain favorable internal relationships, partnerships with co-workers, including managers, providers and support staff.

• Ensure all actions, job performance, personal conduct and communications represent the organization in a highly professional manner at all times.
• Uphold and insure compliance and attention to all corporate policies and procedures as well as the overall mission and values of the organization.

PRIMARY TASKS AND DUTIES

• Cleans calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums using dental instruments.
• Examines lymph nodes under patient’s chin to detect swelling or tenderness. Examines gums for sores and signs of disease.
• Prepares patient, sterilizes and disinfects instruments, sets up instrument trays, prepares materials, and assists dentist during dental procedures as needed.
• Take and record medical and dental histories of each patient.
• Assists Dentist in management of medical and dental emergencies.
• Provide clinical services and health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients.
• Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs. Recommend treatment programs for patients.
• Prepares exam rooms with equipment and supplies as needed for examination procedures; cleans and restocks examining rooms as necessary.
• Attends and participates in Health Center meetings as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

SECONDARY TASKS AND DUTIES

• Work on KCHC Quality Collaboratives, as needed.
• Assist in training new staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/KEY COMPETENCIES

• Cleans teeth and beneath margins of gums using dental instruments.
• Examines lymph nodes to detect swelling or tenderness. Examines gums for signs of disease.
• Assists Dentist in management of medical and dental emergencies.
• Take and record medical and dental histories of each patient.
• Clinical services and health education provided to improve oral health of patients.
• Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
• Recommend treatment programs for patients.

POSTION REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Degree in Dental Hygiene
• Possession of State Registered Dental Hygienist Credential
• CPR –First Aid Certification
• Show evidence of proficiency in the use of AED.
• Knowledge of dental hygiene theory and practice to give and evaluate patient care. Knowledge of standard concepts, practices, and procedures to administer patient care.