Dental Hygienist

Overview

The Dental Hygienist or Dental Hygiene Faculty (DHF), reporting to the Director of Dental Hygiene, will perform services on patients seen at Touro Dental Health which encompasses traditional and expanded dental hygiene. At the discretion of the Director of Dental Hygiene, the DHF will also assist with student evaluations, counseling, and assessment. This role also assists in preparation and selection of course materials including the didactic, laboratory, and clinical activities for students. The Hygienist will guide and help student dentists to manage, appoint, and recall oral hygiene patients. This position requires OSHA training and is subject to exposure to blood and other bodily fluids, as well as, enforcing HIPAA regulations specifically when accessing Protected Health Information (PHI).

Responsibilities

Responsibilities also include, but not restricted to:

• Performing routine dental prophylaxis and periodontal maintenances
• Performing non-surgical periodontal therapy (scaling/root planing)
• Placing locally applied antimicrobial medicaments
• Placing sealants/perform polishing
• Oral Cancer screening
• Administering local anesthesia
• Maintaining accurate electronic patients' health records
• Taking annual digital x-rays
• Accurately charting periodontal conditions
• Applying fluoride when appropriate
• Counselling patients on oral hygiene and nutrition
• Performing Zoom whitening
• To teach, guide and work together with students on all procedures listed above
• To evaluate student progress
• To teach the Initial Periodontal Treatment Lab Course as a part of student preclinical education
• Adherence to confidentiality, state, federal, and HIPAA laws and guidelines with regards to patient's records
• Ability to work equally and collegially with others, consistent with a workplace of dignity and respect and EEO rules and regulations
• Ability to work in the periodontic, special needs, and complex care dental clinics at the discretion of the Director of Dental Hygiene

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• BS Dental Hygiene or Allied Health Sciences degree required.
• Dental Hygienist NM License required
• Dental Hygienist clinical experience at least 3 years required
• Teaching experience a plus
• Experience with dental practice management computers systems such as AxiUm.
• Basic Life Support/ CPR Certification or recent related course completion.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of medications used in conjunction with dental hygiene work.
• Knowledge of health record keeping and dental charting.
• Knowledge of OSHA Blood borne Pathogen Standards and adherence to safety standards.
• Basic computer skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to educate patients across the lifespan in all aspects of oral hygiene including consequences and treatment options for periodontal disease
• Ability to work well in a professional environment
• Must be high integrity & work ethic, motivated, dependable.
• Adaptable with learning new technology and techniques.
• Must be available for work during the hours assigned, for student instruction and practice development.
• Fluent in English, Spanish speaking a plus.