Dental Hygienist (RDH)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Shape Your Future. Serve Your Community. Build Your Career with Palms!

What Life Working at Palms Looks Like:

Mission and Meaningful Work: PMG is a not for profit, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). That means it’s focused on serving underserved populations, offering affordable primary care and preventative services. For many people, that makes the work feel meaningful.

Stability & Growth: PMG has been around for a long time (since 1971) and we are still expanding!

Comprehensive Services & Variety: We offer a wide array of services – family medicine, pediatrics, dental, behavioral health, prenatal care, etc. – So working here gives exposure to different patient populations, conditions and settings. 

Patient-Centered, Community Focus: PMG emphasizes accessible care (same day scheduling, weekend appointments, bilingual staff) and works in communities throughout North Florida. It is also a Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH), meaning there’s an emphasis on continuity of care, relationships with patients, etc. 

Culture & Community: Many reviews say that PMG has a “friendly, compassionate, professional” environment. There is pride among the staff in giving back to the community. 

Perks:

Competitive Wages

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Professional Development Opportunities

Employee Assistance Programs

Company Paid Life Insurance

401k with 5% Match

11 Paid Holidays

20 Days PTO

Recognition and Rewards

Community Impact 

Position Summary

The Dental Hygienist (RDH) works under the supervision of a licensed dentist to provide high-quality preventive dental care and associated services to patients. This role follows established dental hygiene protocols and supports the overall mission of Palms Medical Group by promoting oral health, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring a safe and welcoming clinical environment. 

Description of Primary Responsibilities

1) Patient Service & Communication

a) Deliver patient-centered care in accordance with PMG policies and within the scope of licensure.

b) Document patient interactions and phone calls in the Electronic Dental Record (EDR).

c) Maintain a working knowledge of all PMG departments and services.

2) Clinical Care

a) Identify as a dental hygienist and always wear appropriate identification.

b) Greet, seat, and drape patients professionally.

c) Review patient health history, dental chart, oral history, and radiographs prior to treatment.

d) Perform prophylaxis by removing calculus, plaque, and stains from teeth and beneath gingival margins.

e) Examine gums and lymph nodes for signs of disease or abnormalities.

f) Apply fluoride and other preventive agents to arrest dental decay.

g) Take and process dental radiographs.

h) Chart oral conditions for diagnosis and treatment planning by the dentist.

3) Inventory & Equipment Maintenance

a) Sumit supply orders to the VP of Business Continuity as needed. 

b) Maintain dental instruments through proper sharpening and sterilization.

c) Ensure cleanliness and organization of the clinical workspace 

4) Patient Education

a) Educate patients on oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and nutrition.

b) Provide tobacco cessation counseling and other preventative education

c) Offer appointment reminders and promote regular dental visits. 

d) Participate in community outreach or educational initiatives as needed 

5) Administrative & Compliance Duties

a) Adhere to the Dental Policy Manual and HIPAA regulations

b) Support clinical quality goals as outlines in the PMG QA/QI Plan.

c) Assist with audits, surveys and other administrative tasks as assigned

d) Perform additional duties to support efficiency and effectiveness of PMG operations.

Requirements:

Description of Primary Attributes

General Development:

1) Must be organized, a self-starter and detailed oriented.

2) Job duties require the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

3) Expected to travel and cover other sites during dental hygienist absences.

4) Assist in the training and mentoring of coworkers by sharing knowledge, providing guidance, and supporting skill development.

Professional & Technical Knowledge:

1) Employee shall be able to read and interpret written dental instructions. 

2) Employee will know how to operate efficiently a dental x-ray machine. 

3) Employee will properly protect the patient from x-ray radiation. 

4) Employee will know how to expose dental radiographs.

5) Employee will know how to efficiently operate NexGen.

6) Employee will be expected to navigate and operate Microsoft Office suite products, including Word and Excel. 

Licenses & Certifications:

1) Associate of Science degree in Dental Hygiene.

2) Current Dental Hygiene license issued by the State of Florida.

3) Current BLS (basic life support) Certification.

Communications Skills:

1) Effectively communicates complex and/or technical information to co-workers, patients and/or vendors.

Physical/Mental/Emotional Demands:

• Standing for long periods of time
• Sitting for long periods of time
• Viewing a computer monitor for long periods of time
• Bending
• Stretching / Reaching
• Walking short distances
• Lifting up to 50 pounds
• Operating office equipment (computer, fax machines, telephones and copy machines)
• Reading forms / Instructions / Patients Charts 
• Communicating well to people of various ages, educational levels, cultural backgrounds in person or by telephone
• Exposure to potentially violent / irate patients
• Health / Safety Consideration of Position
• Exposure to chemical infectious / contagious illness
• Exposure to chemical and inhalation of antibiotics during reconstitution
• Exposure to X-Ray radiation 
• Exposure to a variety of scents and odors
• Must utilize universal precaution in clinical or exposure situations as prescribed by federal state, and local guidelines and /or laws