Registered Dental Hygienist

Description:

Position Summary:

The Registered Dental Hygienist is a clinical professional responsible for providing preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene services to Mountain Laurel Medical Center patients. The position assesses patients’ oral health, provides appropriate treatment and education, and collaborates with dentists, dental assistants, and other members of the care team to prevent oral disease and improve the health of patients and communities we serve.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assesses and documents patients’ oral health status, including periodontal conditions and other relevant clinical findings.
• Performs dental prophylaxis, periodontal maintenance, scaling and root planing, and other preventive or therapeutic dental hygiene procedures within the authorized scope of practice.
• Obtains and reviews patient dental and medical histories and identifies information that may affect dental treatment.
• Takes and processes dental radiographs in accordance with applicable requirements and established clinical protocols.
• Applies fluoride, sealants, and other preventive agents as permitted by applicable state law and clinical privileges.
• Provides individualized patient education regarding oral hygiene, periodontal health, disease prevention, nutrition, and recommended home-care practices based on each patient’s needs, risk factors, and treatment plan.
• Identifies abnormal oral conditions and communicates findings to the Dentist for further evaluation and treatment.
• Assists the Dentist in developing and implementing individualized patient treatment plans.
• Administers local anesthesia or other services when appropriately trained, licensed, authorized, and permitted by applicable state law and organizational policy.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and timely documentation of assessments, treatment, patient education, and other clinical services in the electronic health record.
• Follows established infection prevention and control, instrument sterilization, radiation safety, OSHA, and patient safety requirements.
• Prepares and maintains treatment areas, instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary for dental hygiene services.
• Monitors inventory and communicates supply or equipment needs to appropriate staff.
• Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Participates in quality improvement activities, staff meetings, training, and continuing education as required.
• Maintains all licenses, certifications, and continuing education necessary for the position.
• Provides respectful, culturally responsive, and patient-centered care to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Performs other duties consistent with the Dental Hygienist's education, training, licensure, and authorized scope of practice.
• Upholds the Code of Ethics and mission of Mountain Laurel Medical Center in a manner consistent with the core values of patient focused, respect, accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, and integrity.

Requirements:

Education, Licensure and Experience

Required

• Associate degree or higher in Dental Hygiene from a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
• Current, active, and unrestricted license to practice dental hygiene in the state(s) in which services are provided, including Maryland and/or West Virginia, as applicable.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for healthcare providers.
• Completion and maintenance of continuing education, certifications, and other requirements necessary to maintain applicable dental hygiene licensure.
• Demonstrated knowledge of preventive dentistry, periodontal care, infection prevention, and patient education.

Preferred

• Three (3) or more years of experience as a Dental Hygienist.
• Experience in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), community health center, public health dental program, or similar healthcare setting.
• Experience providing care to underserved, rural, pediatric, geriatric, or medically complex patient populations.
• Experience using electronic dental records and digital radiography.
• Experience working as part of a collaborative or interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Qualifications

Required:

• Knowledge of current dental hygiene principles, practices, procedures, and professional standards.
• Knowledge of periodontal assessment, preventive dental care, oral disease prevention, and patient education.
• Knowledge of infection prevention and control, instrument sterilization, radiation safety, and applicable workplace safety requirements.
• Ability to recognize abnormal oral conditions and appropriately communicate findings to the Dentist.
• Strong clinical skills and attention to patient comfort and safety.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to educate patients in a clear, respectful, and understandable manner.
• Ability to work effectively with patients of varying ages, backgrounds, health literacy levels, and healthcare needs.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to effectively manage a clinical schedule.
• Ability to maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation in the electronic health record.
• Demonstrates professionalism, reliability, sound judgment, and commitment to Mountain Laurel Medical Center's mission, vision, and values.
• Upholds the Code of Ethics and mission of Mountain Laurel Medical Center in a manner consistent with the core values of patient focused, respect, accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, and integrity.

General Requirements

Reasoning Ability

Must be able to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Sensitivity to the Needs of Special Populations

Must be able to understand and respond appropriately, effectively, and sensitively to special population groups served by the organization. Special population groups include those defined by race, ethnicity, language, age, sex, sexual orientation, economic standing, disability, religion, etc.

Understanding of Healthcare Laws and Regulations

Must have the ability to apply HIPAA guidelines as well as an understanding of policies and procedures regarding medical records put in place by the Federal Government.

Physical Demands

The physical demands include the ability to sit or stand for extended periods while treating patients; excellent fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and finger/wrist flexibility to navigate small instruments safely within a patient’s mouth; frequent bending, twisting, stretching, and reaching to operate equipment and position patients comfortably; ability to lift, carry, maneuver clinical supplies or equipment weighing up to 20 pounds; and clear near vision to evaluate teeth, gums, and radiographs; distinct verbal communication skills to interact with patients and staff.

Work Environment

The work environment includes safety protocols with continuous use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, protective eyewear, face shields, and gloves. Regular work around sharp medical tools, clinical fluids, and low-level noise from dental machinery.