Dental Hygienist

Job Description

Job Description

West Cecil Health Center (WCHC) is seeking a dedicated Registered Dental Hygienist to join our team! 

WCHC is a thriving nonprofit, community health organization that provides comprehensive and collaborative patient centered healthcare services.  Based primarily in. Conowingo, some travel to Elkton may be required. Bilingual is a plus. $2500 sign on bonus

Position Summary:

The Registered Dental Hygienist is a licensed oral health professional who works collaboratively under the general supervision of a dentist and with the dental team to provide high-quality preventive and therapeutic dental care. The hygienist plays a key role in patient education, periodontal care, and early disease detection. This position supports the mission of improving the oral and overall health of a diverse patient population in a community-focused setting.

WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY?

Medical, Dental, and Vision insuranceHealth Reimbursement ArrangementEmployer paid Life and AD&D and Disability insurance401K with employer matchGenerous Paid Time Off and Volunteer timePaid HolidaysEducation reimbursement

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Care:

• Perform oral prophylaxis, periodontal scaling and root planning, and application of fluoride treatments and sealants as trained, licensed, and assigned

• Conduct comprehensive oral health assessments, including charting, periodontal probing, and evaluation of oral tissues. 

• Assess dental condition and needs of patients using approved patient screening procedures, including medical history review, dental charting, and periodontal charting.

• Take and process dental radiographs in accordance with state regulations and WCHC protocols.

• Assist in identifying conditions such as caries, periodontal disease, and other oral health issues; refer to the dentist as needed.

• Document dental history or chief complaint; record and report pertinent observations and patient reactions to dentists as appropriate

• Follow through with oral hygiene procedures in accordance with treatment plans prescribed by the attending dentist. Procedure may include: Prophylaxis, periodontal scaling, root planning, debridement, supra and subgingival scaling and curettage, application of fluoride treatments, and application of protective sealants. 

• Assist with or initiate emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during the treatment of patients.

• Help patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment

Patient Education:

• Educate patients on proper oral hygiene practices, disease prevention, and post-treatment care. Including proper tooth brushing, flossing, nutrition and the need for professional care.

• Provide individualized instructions based on patient needs, conditions, and risk factors.

• Promote oral health as part of overall wellness and support integration with primary care.

Sterilization & Infection Control:

• Sterilize instruments and disinfect treatment areas in accordance with OSHA, CDC, and WCHC guidelines

• Ensure all dental equipment is cleaned, maintained, and functioning properly.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date clinical records using the electronic health record (EHR) system.

• Ensure the operatory is clean, stocked, and ready for patient care.

• Ensure all patient records and related documentation are managed and maintained in a timely and accurate manner, and are compliant with all HIPAA and associated regulations and regulatory requirements.

• Ensure all tasks provided and associated with patient care, administrative processes, and related duties comply with all regulatory and accreditation standards, as well as WCHC polices and procedures.

Team Collaboration:

• Work closely with dentists, dental assistants, and front office staff to ensure efficient patient flow and high-quality care.

• Participate in staff meetings, continuing education, and quality improvement initiatives.

• Uphold and consistently represent the mission, vision, and values of WCHC at all times.

• Participate in compliance with the UDS sealant measurement 

Other Duties:

• Enhance the efficiency of the dental office by performing expanded duties as allowable by law and as directed by the dentist. 

• Ensure effective relationships within and among department staff and other functional areas within WCHC.

• Develop favorable relationships with vendors and related external entities.

• Bilingual employees: Provide communication and translation assistance to patients within the role scope

Qualifications & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• Completion of an accredited dental hygienist program

• Current state-specific Registered Dental Hygienist licensure

• Current CPR required 

• Certification to administer local anesthesia preferred

• Proficient knowledge of dentistry procedures and clinic infection control procedures

• Proficient in dental terminology

• Knowledge of dental codes

• Knowledge of Electronic Health Record (EHR)

• Proficiency in dental software and basic computer skills

• Excellent communication and customer service skills

• Bilingual, English/Spanish, is aspirational

Other Requirements:

• Must maintain CPR and state dental hygiene license

• 30 hours of continuing education to maintain dental hygiene license

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work will be scheduled in accordance with operational needs.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

To successfully perform this role, the Dental Hygienist must possess the following abilities: 

• Sufficient capability to fulfill job responsibilities.

• Standing, walking, sitting: Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit at a desk/workstation for prolonged periods (typically 8-12 hours per shift).

• Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling: Ability to lift, carry, push or pull up to 20 pounds (examples: medical equipment, supplies, patient files).

• Reaching: Capacity to reach (choose overhead and/or at or below shoulder level) 

• Keyboarding: Entering text or data into a computer or other machine by means of a traditional keyboard.

• Gross Manipulation: Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with the hand(s). It is often present when lifting involves the hands. Note: Fingers are involved only to the extent that they are an extension of the hand to hold or operate a tool such as tin snips or scissors.

• Fine Manipulation: Touching, picking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with fingers to execute tasks such as answering phones, typing, transporting, and filing charts.

• Speaking: Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word to impart oral information to clients or the public and to convey detailed spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.

• Hearing Requirements: The ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and/or other sounds (e.g., machinery alarms, medical codes or alarms). Including in-person speech, over the telephone, and/or using equipment

• Visual Acuity: sufficient to clearly see and distinguish small objects, including while using a computer, as well as to recognize individuals and features at a distance

Location & Travel

This position is located in West Cecil Health Center and/or its qualified subsidiaries. Regular local travel between sites may be warranted. 

Other Duties:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, responsibilities, or duties that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

WCHC is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, credit history, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Compensation details: 52-55 Hourly Wage

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