Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist

The Dental Hygienist plays a vital role in evaluating and providing direct patient care through oral hygiene procedures and education to support optimal health outcomes. Team members are expected to align with the health center's mission, ensuring that patients receive skilled, compassionate care with a high level of satisfaction. Additionally, all staff contribute to fostering a trauma-informed care environment that acknowledges and addresses the impact of traumatic stress on patients, families, and staff.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

• Conduct patient assessments, including medical history reviews and dental charting in the EHR system.
• Perform routine dental treatments such as cleanings, polishing, x-rays, sealant application, fluoride treatments, and related procedures.
• Create and implement personalized dental care plans, including patient education, risk assessments, and discharge instructions under dentist supervision.
• Support insurance preauthorization processes for periodontal procedures, ensuring follow-up on denials and scheduling approved treatments.
• Provide chair-side assistance to the dentist during specialized tests and treatments.
• Maintain dental areas in compliance with safety, infection control, and center policies.
• Manage the recall system for continuing care appointments.
• Oversee hygiene inventory and ensure operatories are consistently clean and stocked.
• Document dental history, observations, and care plans accurately in the EHR.
• Triage walk-in patients and initiate appropriate care.
• Clean and maintain dental equipment regularly to ensure operational readiness.
• Handle additional job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Duties for MDI Hygienists

• Perform oral prophylaxis, scaling, fluoride treatments, and hygiene education in the MDI treatment room.
• Screen emergency patients and capture radiographs for efficient referral to the dental department.
• Facilitate patient referrals for comprehensive evaluations and treatments.
• Record health assessments and patient interactions in the electronic dental record (EDR).
• Complete billing processes by posting provided treatments.
• Administer local anesthesia per state licensure.
• Coordinate patient care with other healthcare providers.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives for the dental department.
• Execute independent procedures as permitted by state law and center protocols.
• Collaborate with IT and MDI staff to collect data and evaluate program outcomes.

Qualifications

• Registered Dental Hygienist certification from an accredited U.S. program.
• Pennsylvania State Licensure as a Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner.
• Licensure to administer local anesthesia in Pennsylvania.
• Proficiency with electronic dental records and CCD digital x-ray systems.
• Ability to assess dental conditions, including periodontal and caries risk.
• Commitment to public health dentistry and continuous professional development.
• Strong communication and community outreach skills.

Special Working Conditions

• Requires prolonged sitting or standing and repetitive motions associated with modern dental hygiene practices.
• Proficiency in telecommunication, computer systems, and electronic dental records is essential.
• OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Classification: Category I.

Workload Expectations

Capable of managing up to 7 patients daily across the following visit types:

• Routine and recall hygiene visits.
• Scaling and root planning sessions.
• Fluoride applications and in-office screenings.
• Emergency patient screenings and radiographs.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $34.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift

License/Certification:

• Registered Dental Hygienist (Preferred)
• Dental License (Preferred)