Dental Hygienist

JOB SUMMARY

Dental Hygienist: Provides dental hygiene therapy for dental patients to improve their oral health by a thorough removal of plaque and tarter from the surface of the teeth. Improve the patient’s ability to conduct proper home care.

MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position.

• Performs oral inspection and measuring periodontal pockets, with no diagnosis. Assist patient with education in oral hygiene.
• Take intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs. Apply topical preventive or prophylactic agents.
• Polish and smooth restorations and apply sealants. Oral prophylaxis and the removal of deposits and stains from the surface of the teeth and perform root planning.
• Perform sub-gingival and supra-gingival scaling take and record medical history, blood pressure and vital signs.
• Performs soft tissue curettage under close supervision (Dentist must be present).
• Administer nitrous oxide analgesia and gives injections of a local anesthetic. Place Antimicrobials all under close supervision.
• Place restorations into the cavity prepared by the Dentist, and thereafter could crave, contour, and adjust contacts and occlusion of the restoration.
• Addresses and answers questions from tribal members and the public in a group setting (i.e., gives instructions, information and responds to questions).
• Prepares confidential files, reports or correspondence.
• Performs receptionist duties and performs word processing duties.
• Because of the Tribe’s commitment to community service and the well-being of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular responsibilities.

EDUCATION - EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING FOR POSITION

Washington Registered Dental Hygienist State License, Graduation from a accredited Dental Hygiene program, Clinical experience in either public or private practice two (2) year experience, four (4) years preferred.

SPECIFIC SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR POSITION

Knowledge of Dental Anatomy, drug interactions and uses.

Clinical skills: good hand-eye coordination to allow for gentle and through removal of surface deposits. Ability to assess patient needs. Documentation skills: ability to write legibly and accurately.

Communication skills : excellent verbal skills with both the patients and staff. Professionalism: perform job duties in a professional manner. Demonstrates commitment to the position, which is reflected in attitude, demeanor, and appearance. Interpersonal skills: ability to work with others in a positive and team oriented manner. Organizational Skills: ability to prioritize and multi-task. Organized and gets work done in a timely manner. Problem solving/decision making ability: have the knowledge and skills to develop a treatment plan and evaluate its’ effectiveness.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Continuously works inside. Frequently sits, grasps finger (both hands), does this in a repetitive motion, foot controls, talk, hear, and see. Occasionally stand, lift, carry, bend, reaches below, above shoulder and at waist. twist and push and pulls. Rarely balance, crouch, kneel, and is exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures, atmospheric conditions, electric shock, moving mechanical parts and toxic, caustic chemicals. Never climb, crawl, drive, work outside wet and/or humid, exposure to weather or vibration, radiation and never work with explosives.

Licenses or Certifications Required

Washington State Dental Hygienist License.