Dental Hygienist

Position Overview

The Dental Hygienist will clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. The position also educates patients on oral hygiene, takes and develops X-rays, and applies fluoride or sealants.

Skills And Qualifications

• Must be licensed to practice in Ohio and meet other applicable state requirements
• Must have completed at least 2 years of post-secondary education from an accredited dental hygiene program
• Experience providing prophylaxis and taking X-rays
• Excellent interpersonal skills to maintain effective rapport with patients, dentists, and coworkers
• The ability to convey complex health information in a simple way
• Excellent critical-thinking skills
• Driven to stay up to date on the latest dental tools and methods
• Current Hepatitis B vaccination
• Current CPR certification

Duties And Responsibilities

• Administers prophylactic treatment by the scaling and polishing of teeth.
• Documents area of existing restorations and notable areas of possible decay and disease for dentist's review. When appropriate, may call in the dentist for immediate consultation.
• Takes X-rays to determine the extent of any decay and disease.
• Administers fluoride treatment as needed.
• Updates the medical history of the patient, highlighting significant information for the dentist's review.
• Instructs patients in oral hygiene techniques, answering patient questions and providing other educational information relevant to oral hygiene.
• Practices universal precautions and other sterilization and infection control procedures and maintains equipment.
• Provides associated administrative support, including maintaining patient documentation, patient communication, and other record-keeping.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

The following physical activities describe those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

While performing the functions of this job, the employee must be able to stand for long periods, speak and communicate effectively in English, hear adequately in person and in group settings, and use visual acuity to read small print. Must have sufficient motor function to operate dental hygiene instruments, transfer and position patients, and perform related diagnostic and treatment maneuvers. Must be able to position and reposition self around the patient and chair, and to physically restrain patients if necessary. Must have coordination of gross and fine motor movements and integrated use of touch and vision.