Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist

Open Door Family Medical Center provides health care and wellness programs to individuals and families in need throughout Westchester, Putnam and Ulster Counties. A pioneer Federally Qualified Health Center, Open Door provides more than 300,000 patient visits annually and serves nearly 60,000 individual patients who might not otherwise have access. Open Door offers integrated services and a holistic approach to building healthier communities. Primary medical care, dental care, integrated behavioral health care, clinical nutrition, wellness programs, and chronic disease management are the foundation of its clinical programs.

Open Door is seeking a Dental Hygienist for its Saugerties, NY location.

Job Summary

Provide dental services to patients in accordance to professional standards and practices. Under the supervision of a dentist, dental hygienists provide treatment to prevent cavities and gum diseases.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Utilize appropriate diagnostic equipment to perform examination of teeth and oral structures.
• Formulate treatment plan and discuss case presentation with patient.
• Obtain medical and nursing consultation when necessary in addressing total needs of patient.
• Present oral hygiene educational programs.
• Participate in quality assurance review.
• Maintain records in accordance to standards of care.
• Maintain a safe environment of care for patients and staff by reporting any unsafe condition, equipment, or activities to the appropriate personnel.
• Participate in multi-discipline team conferences and mandated service-training programs.
• Participate in the development and implementation of corrective action plans to address Department and operational deficiencies.
• Check and maintain adequate amount of equipment and supplies in accordance with Department budget and Center standards.
• Inform the CDO of any management or operating problems that may affect quality and standards of patient services.
• Demonstrate ability to function in a culturally sensitive manner within the organization's philosophy and mission.
• Foster good communication between the center and the community by returning all patient telephone requests.
• Attend staff meetings, as designated, to ascertain the center's short and long range plans, programs and goals within areas of responsibility.
• Collaborate with the CDO to develop and implement department goals and objectives annually.
• Participate in staff development programs, educational activities, seminars and training opportunities.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times as per Open Door policies and procedures.
• Prepare and maintain documentation in compliance with JCAHO standards and applicable city, state, and federal laws.
• Participate in health fairs and community outreach activities.
• Interpret health center services and assist patient in making optimum use of the center's services.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in Dental Hygiene from approved school of dental hygiene.
• Registered dental hygienist in New York State.
• Maintains continuing education credits in accordance with New York State Regulations.
• Minimum of two years' experience as dental hygienist.
• Thorough knowledge and practice of quality dental hygienist practices.

Working conditions

• Frequent contact with patients, employees and outside agencies.
• Frequent exposure to communicable diseases and other conditions common to a health center environment.
• Requires adherence to Infection Control Standard Precautions.

Physical requirements

The work requires standing and walking with bending, and carrying of light items. However, the position also involves long periods of moving about the work unit. The work requires regular and recurring bending, lifting, stooping, and stretching, with some lifting and repositioning patients, or similar activities.

There are many fantastic benefits to a career at Open Door Family Medical Centers. In addition to working to effect positive change in the health and lives of thousands residents in our communities, Open Door offers its employees a stimulating, diverse and team-based work environment with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, 401(k), generous paid time off, and educational assistance. Aside from excellent benefits, we offer a competitive salary and annual bonuses based on organizational and individual objectives.

At Open Door, we enjoy working in a team-based, patient-centered environment and value the benefits of a diversified workplace that values our patients and the communities we serve.