Dental Hygienist

Title

Dental Hygienist

Department

Dental

Classification

Salary

Responsible To

Dental Director or Clinic Manager

Function

The dental hygienist works together with the dentist to meet the oral health needs of patients.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Patient screening procedures: such as preliminary assessment of oral health conditions, review of the health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspections and preliminary dental charting.
2. Exposing, processing, and mounting of dental radiographs.
3. Polishing of the clinical crown(s) of teeth, including restorations.
4. Removing calculus and plaque from all the surfaces of the teeth.
5. Periodontal scaling.
6. Soft tissue curettage
7. Root planning.
8. Applying preventive materials to the teeth (e.g.; sealants and fluorides);
9. Applying topical anesthetics.
10. Teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health; (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling);
11. Counseling patients regarding good nutrition and its impact in oral health;
12. Performing documentation such as, but not limited to, recording patients treatment in progress notes and reports.
13. Performing office management activities.
14. All supportive services necessary to the maintenance of a hygienic practice environment, including, but not limited to all sterilizing procedure.
15. All supportive services or procedures, necessary to protect the physical well-being of the patients during routine treatment procedures and treatment and during periods of emergences, including, but not limited to:
    1. Physical positioning of the patient.
    2. Monitoring of vitals.
    3. Assistance during administration of life-support.
    4. Any other non-invasive procedures necessary to the gathering and maintaining the health and safety of the patient.

Qualifications / Requirements

1. Must be a graduate of a dental hygiene school or dental hygiene program which was accredited by the American Dental Association at the time of graduation.
2. Must have current dental hygiene license issued by The Ohio State Dental Board.
3. Must have CPR and First-Aid training
4. Must have knowledge of routine clerical duties
5. Minimum of one (1) year experience
6. Hepatitis vaccine, required for dental services in State of Ohio
7. Must have good oral communication skills
8. Must be willing to be crossed trained per Collaborative requirements.