Dental Hygienist

Job Description

Job Description

The Dental Hygienist Performs oral evaluations, dental prophylaxis and other duties related to preservation of dental health and prevention of dental disease.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Oral Evaluation and Prophylaxis –

· Evaluates patient’s mouth, performs and records vital signs, head and neck inspection and notifies Dentist of suspicion of periodontal disease, decay, urgent dental needs or abnormal findings.

· Performs oral prophylaxis including scaling, root planning and polishing to remove tooth stains, plaque and calculus.

· Applies fluoride and sealants as prescribed by the Dentist and/or policy and procedure.

· Removes periodontal, surgical packs and sutures.

· Instructs patients in oral hygiene and records treatment information in patient records.

Chair Side Assisting -

· May assist Dentist and Dental Assistants at chair side during restorative, surgical or endodontic procedures.

· Responds to patient questions both in person and by telephone as authorized by the Dentist

Communication -

· Responds to patient questions both in person and by telephone as authorized by the Dentist

Stocks Operatory and Maintains Supplies -

• Maintains adequate operatory supplies for patient treatment and compiles list of supply shortages for ordering purposes.

• Sets up instrument trays and prepares materials

Infection Control and Radiography -

· Exposes dental radiographs

· Maintains compliance with organizational policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control, safety issues and personal protective equipment.

• Sterilizes and disinfects instruments and equipment

• Follows procedures to maintain safety and security with medications and needles

• Changes suction traps and filters of suction pump

• Cleans rollers and changes chemicals for developer

Dental Lab and Appliances -

· Makes preliminary impressions for study casts, places and removes rubber dams, matrices, and temporary restorations.

· Pours, trims, and polishes study casts, cleans and polishes removable appliances and removes excess cement from coronal surfaces of teeth.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent in dental hygiene; six months to one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Current, valid State of Michigan dental hygienist license. BLS Required at hire.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Medium

TRAVEL: