Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist

Austin, TX $54,080 - $68,688 a year

Competitive Pay / Sign-on bonus / Full-Time

This position offers the perfect balance of professional growth, patient care, and a positive work culture. If you're someone who thrives on making a difference in patients' lives, enjoys working with a dedicated team, and is eager to contribute to a practice that values innovation and excellence, we'd love to have you on board. Let's work together to create brighter smiles and healthier communities!

Patient Care

• Conducting thorough oral health assessments, including reviewing medical history, checking for signs of disease, and updating patient records.
• Performing professional cleanings to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth.
• Fluoride treatments and applying sealants to protect teeth from cavities.
• Providing patients with oral hygiene education, including tips on proper brushing, flossing, and diet.
• Taking and developing X-rays as needed, following safety protocols.

Treatment and Support

• Assisting the dentist during examinations and procedures as needed.
• Charting and documenting patient conditions, treatment plans, and progress notes.
• Applying local anesthetics or other medications as directed by the dentist.
• Removing sutures or assisting in minor dental procedures like fillings or crown placements.

Patient Communication

• Engaging with patients to explain treatment plans, dental procedures, and preventative care measures.
• Answering questions and addressing concerns to ensure patients are comfortable and informed.
• Keeping patients at ease during appointments, maintaining a calm and professional environment.

Hygiene and Sterilization

• Ensuring that all dental instruments and equipment are properly sterilized and maintained.
• Adhering to infection control standards, including the cleaning and sterilization of the treatment area.
• Keeping up-to-date with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations and infection control practices.

Administrative Duties

• Scheduling patient appointments, managing reminders, and handling follow-up care as needed.
• Assisting with billing and insurance claims when necessary.
• Maintaining accurate patient records and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations (HIPAA).

Educational Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited program is required.
• Some positions may require a Bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene, particularly in larger practices or specialized areas.

Licensing and Certification

• State licensure to practice as a dental hygienist is mandatory. Licensing requirements vary by state but typically include:
• Completion of an accredited dental hygiene program.
• Passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE).
• Passing a clinical examination (state or regional).
• CPR/BLS (Basic Life Support) certification is often required and must be kept up to date.
• Local anesthesia certification (if applicable in the state or practice) may be required for certain procedures.

Experience

• Previous experience as a DH is often preferred but not always required, especially for entry-level positions.
• Experience in patient care, specifically with routine cleanings, X-rays, and preventative treatments, is typically valued.
• Experience with dental office software for scheduling, record-keeping, and charting can be an asset.
• Experience with pediatric or geriatric patients (if applicable to the practice).
• Knowledge of orthodontic procedures or periodontal treatments (for specialized practices).
• Multilingual abilities can be a plus in diverse communities.
• Technical Skills
• Proficiency in dental hygiene procedures such as cleanings, scaling, and polishing.
• Ability to take and develop dental X-rays (if applicable).
• Knowledge of infection control protocols and sterilization procedures to maintain a safe, clean environment.
• Familiarity with dental hygiene tools (e.g., scalers, curettes, ultrasonic instruments).
• Proficiency with dental software (for scheduling, patient records, and billing).

We are excited about the opportunity to have you join our team and contribute to providing exceptional care to our patients. If you're passionate about making a difference in oral health and eager to grow professionally, we'd love to hear from you. We look forward to the possibility of welcoming you to our practice and working together to create brighter, healthier smiles!