Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist Opportunity at Christ Health Center

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 through Thursday, 7:45 AM – 5:00 PM. Please note that these hours are fixed, and we are unable to offer scheduling flexibility for this role.

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.