Dental Hygienist

SUMMARY To treat and educate patients in the control and prevention of oral disease such as carries (cavities) and periodontal (gum) disease through proper oral hygiene and regular professional care.


EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene and Licensure in State of Michigan.
• Twenty-four hours of biennial continuing education including four hours' HIV-AIDS and three hours' CPR training.
• Competence in operation of standard dental equipment: cavitron, prophyjet, X-ray, radiograph processor, panelipse, dental chair and unit, sterilizers, hand scalers, and curettes.
• At least one year of experience as a full time dental hygienist preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs dental prophylaxis, removing deposits (plague, tartar, stain) from the teeth.
• Applies preventive agents such as fluoride and sealants to the tooth surfaces.
• Takes and develops necessary radiographs.
• Examines teeth and gums for signs of disease or decay. Charts such conditions for further diagnosis and treatment by dentist and for proper patient record maintenance.
• Instructs patients in proper oral hygiene.
• Accurately reports all procedures to bookkeeper for proper billing to patient or third-party payers.
• Assists dentist, as required, in further treatment of teeth and gums.
• Maintain patient confidentiality as per Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 and complete HIPAA compliance training.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must have strong dental knowledge.
• Must have excellent dental skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other areas and personnel with the Health Clinic.
• Must have excellent dental education and presentation skills. Experience and skill in designing and conducting staff training and in-services.
• Must have knowledge of OSHA Blood borne Pathogens Standard and adherence to safety rules and professional standards.
• Must have outstanding written and verbal communications skills.
• Good time management and organizational skills are critical.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated patience, tact, and respect.
• Exceptional detail and follow-up skills.
• Work requires proficiency in computer literacy, preferably in Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and other Microsoft office products and database applications.
• Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.
• Uses good judgment in interpreting guidelines, in adapting department procedures, or in recommending approaches or solutions for specific problems.
• Must have knowledge of principles of evaluating program effectiveness and quality assurance.
• Must have knowledge of principles and practices of dental and administration gained through education and experience.
• Fully responsible for being knowledgeable about Dental Hygienist's role and responsibility.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene and Licensure in State of Michigan.
• Twenty-four hours of biennial continuing education including four hours' HIV-AIDS and three hours' CPR training.
• Competence in operation of standard dental equipment: cavitron, prophyjet, X-ray, radiograph processor, panelipse, dental chair and unit, sterilizers, hand scalers, and curettes.
• At least one year of experience as a full time dental hygienist preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No direct supervisory responsibilities. Indirect supervision of Dental Assistant in carrying out Dental Hygienist duties.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

General office equipment such as, calculators, computers, modem, copiers, fax, phone systems, and various dental equipment, etc.


TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work requires sitting, lifting, reaching, walking, and lifting heavy objects, such as a case of paper or several books at once. Also requires manual dexterity to operate equipment for proper cleaning and examination. Requires visual and hearing acuity corrected to normal range

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

The employee uses judgment in identifying and selecting the most appropriate procedures to use, or in determining which of several established alternatives to use. Some deadlines are involved, so there is time pressure on occasion.

WORKING CONDITIONS

A good deal of work is performed in dental environment, but it is important to realize that some of the work is at the different offices within the Health/Dental Clinic.


COMMENTS

Native American preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time through approved motion by Tribal Council. * Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.

This position is subject to IC3 Background Investigation and Drug Screen.