Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist

The Dental Hygienist will work with the Dentist to provide care for patients using an individualized oral health regimen.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities (Included But Not Limited To The Following):

• Prepares treatment room for patient by adhering to prescribed procedures and protocols
• Prepares patient for dental hygiene treatment by welcoming, soothing, seating, and draping patient
• Provides information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests
• Selects materials and equipment for dental hygiene visit by evaluating patients' oral health
• Patient screening procedures; such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of the health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspection, dental charting and taking blood pressure and pulse
• Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintain CPR certification, emergency drugs and oxygen supply, and directory of emergency numbers
• Educate patients in appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health; (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling and postoperative instructions)
• Documents dental hygiene services by recording vital signs and medical and dental histories; charting in patient records
• Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential
• Maintains a safe and clean environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols
• Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventative maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintain equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques
• Maintains dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies
• Conserves dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results
• Take and develop radiographs (x-rays)
• Remove calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teeth
• Apply preventative materials to the teeth (e.g., sealants and fluorides)
• Make impressions of patients' teeth for study casts (models of teeth used by dentists to evaluate patient treatment needs)

Requirements

• A two year certificate program or an Associate's degree in dental hygiene from an institution accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation and at least two years of experience working as a dental hygienist.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
• Clinical Setting.