Dental Hygienist

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the direct provision of oral hygiene and appropriate preventive services to dental patients and will work with patients of all ages. The Registered Dental Hygienist will also be responsible for providing appropriate oral health education information to individuals and groups. This position reports to the Dental Director.

JOB DUTIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

• Assists the Dental Director in the oral health management of all dental patients.
• Obtains baseline oral hygiene assessment data based upon accepted principles of oral hygiene and periodontal care.
• Records patient-hygienist transactions as they occur in the patient’s dental record so that the dental record accurately and completely reflects the nature of the contact, the condition of the patient and the care or treatment provided.
• Provides oral health education and appropriate individual counseling for all dental patients.
• Provides clinical oral hygiene services including dental prophylaxis, scaling, sealant application and fluoride application consistent with accepted professional practices and standards and in compliance with applicable state law and the center’s clinical protocols. Integration of appropriate patient dental hygiene care with other heal care professionals involved in the patient’s health care management.
• Organizes and performs preventive oral health presentations at on-site and off-site locations.
• Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by dentists in accordance with state regulations and law as well as Dental Department protocol and directive.
• Assist in the maintenance of all Dental Department areas in compliance with Dental Department directive and policies as well as center policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues.
• Assists with various clinical and administrative functions of the dental clinic department as appropriate and time permits. Insures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with Dental Department directive and center policy as well as state federal regulations(s).
• Travels between sites when necessary to meet operational needs. As directed by a supervisor, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.
• Responsible for personal compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and center rules, regulations, protocols and procedures governing the practice of dental hygiene and the clinical provision of dental hygiene services as well as those relating to, but not limited to, personnel issues, workplace safety, public health and confidentiality.
• Working knowledge of dental equipment, tools, etc.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with fellow healthcare providers.
• Prolonged sitting or standing may be required. Physical movements and the degree of mobility, manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination normally associated with the practice of modern oral hygiene will be performed on a repetitive basis.
• Work under stressful conditions as well as irregular hours may be required.
• Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, radiation and other conditions common to a clinical environment may routinely be encountered.
• Bilingual, clinically fluent in Spanish preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communications skills required.
• Ability to maintain appropriate clinical privileges required.
• Must be able to clearly communicate with others to understand them, and to be understood.
• Must be able to read and compose documents so that their intent is easily understood.
• Must be able to lift at least ten pounds from the floor to four (4) feet above the floor.
• Requires sitting for periods of time working with computer, standing and walking periodically.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an accredited school of dental hygiene.
• Unrestricted license to practice Oral Hygiene in the State of Illinois.
• Current CPR (BLS) Certification.
• Ability to independently provide local anesthetic when needed for patients.
• Requires a comprehensive knowledge of oral hygiene care in outpatient settings.
• Knowledge of the principles and practice of modern oral hygiene and periodontal patient care is necessary.
• The Registered Dental Hygienist must be cognizant of the public health, social and economic factors which impact on the overall health, and more specifically the oral health of their patients.
• The Registered Dental Hygienist must be able to creatively work with other health care professionals from a variety of disciplines to achieve maximal program effectiveness and patient benefit.
• The ability to creatively solve problems through individual and/or programmatic action is an important part of this position.
• Excellent interpersonal relationship management skills.
• Self-motivated, team player excited to work in a face-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and a dedication to accuracy.
• Ability to handle confidential information in a professional & discrete manner.

SMART GOALS (OUTCOMES)

• Support and increase patient volume - currently 10-16 per day.
• Increase patient education process promoting the short- and long-term benefits of oral hygiene.
• Stay informed on dental advances through CDC guidelines.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms.

WORKING CONDITIONS
(The unavoidable, externally imposed conditions under which the work must be performed, and which create hardship for the incumbent including the frequency and duration of occurrence of physical demands, environmental conditions, demands on one’s senses, and mental demands.) None known.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
This job description is to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the duties as described. This job description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned as deemed appropriate commensurate to the position. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and Friend Health - HRDI reserves the right to change this job description and /or assign tasks deemed as needed.

There is an occupational risk for exposure to TB, as this position has extensive patient contact. I understand and acknowledge that this job description is contingent upon satisfactory acceptance of the annual recommended TB testing(s) for a designated period. The only acceptable exceptions to this mandate at the time of hire and annually are documented medical contraindications and documented religious objections. I also understand and acknowledge that staff who decline TB testing or flu vaccinations due to medical contraindications, religious objections or if the vaccine is unavailable due to supply constraints, will be required to wear a mask when determined to be appropriate.
Therefore, by signing this job description, I agree to abide by the Friend Family Health Center (FFHC) Influenza Prevention, Vaccination, and TB Guidance Policy.

Friend Health – HRDI is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation including gender identity, gender expression, military discharge status, physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by law. In addition, Friend Health – HRDI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process). Friend Health - HRDI supports the Pay Transparency Law as an equal opportunity employer.

COMPENSATION
Salary range: $80,000-84,500 annually

Benefits include - health, vision, dental, life and disability insurance, 403b, FSA and HSA, EAP, lifestyle programs, generous PTO, and paid holidays.

Join Our Team!

At Friend Health – HRDI, we are dedicated to transforming smiles and enhancing lives through exceptional dental care. Our trusted professionals provide comprehensive oral healthcare, preventive treatments, and patient education to improve overall health and well-being. If you are passionate about making a difference in community healthcare, we encourage you to apply today!