Dental Hygienist

Dentist HygienistResponsible for providing high quality hygiene treatment and care to patients.Essential Functions/Responsibilities:Check on daily schedule with the receptionist for hygiene patientsCarefully review patient health and dental history forms and update as necessaryAccurately chart each patient's periodontal healthPerform thorough and gentle prophylaxis to patientsPerform scaling, root planing, and selective polishing for selective patientsAdminister local anesthetics, if permitted by state regulationsPlace medicaments subgingivally (under the gum line) for periodontal disease treatment, if permitted by state regulationsProvide X-rays for patients as prescribed by dentistApply cavity-preventative agents such as fluorides and sealantsPerform head and neck examinationsCommunicate with patients in an understandable and professional wayCheck on patient comfort during treatment; help allay patient anxietyTake accurate notes on the provided treatmentTeach proper oral hygiene techniques to patientsCounsel patients on proper nutrition, oral health, and the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobaccoPerform other tasks assignedCheck and maintain hygiene area for cleanlinessCheck and turn on hygiene room equipmentMonitor hygiene supply inventory and submit supply orders to Clinical CoordinatorAssemble soiled instruments, place in sterilization area, and sort / package instruments by tray for proper sterilizationClean Hygiene bay surfaces with disinfectant solution according to OSHA regulationsLoad, activate, and vent the sterilization unit according to manufacturer's directions and OSHA regulationsStore sterilized instruments and trays in appropriate placesSee that records are stored securely and handled in compliance with legal requirements, including the HIPAA privacy and security regulations if applicableAccurately combine chart and notes with larger patient informationComplete X-Ray Log as appropriateProvide referral to and from other doctors to guardian as instructed by DentistSkills/Certifications:Dental hygienists must be licensed and in good standing with the State of South Carolina. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate.Education Required:Associates or Bachelor's degree in dental hygiene.