Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist

Provides high-quality and culturally appropriate dental care to patients. Perform advanced prophylactic and preventative dental procedures in the treatment of patients; assists in planning and conducting community dental health outreach programs for the education of oral health, oral hygiene and the prevention of dental diseases and conditions. Works within a multi-disciplinary healthcare team and supports the mission of promoting wellness in the Laguna community.

Essential Functions

Performs complete oral prophylaxis on ambulatory patients to include deep, sub gingival scaling, root planning and curettage. Administer local anesthetic and applies topical anesthetic. Polishes teeth and applies fluoride. Applies sealants as indicated by treatment plans. Interprets routine x-rays to identify tooth structures, calculus and abnormalities such as cavities and deep periodontal pockets referring to dentist. Prepares dental hygiene treatment plans for patients including assessment of the problem, type of oral hygiene care required and the sequence of appointments needed to complete the treatment. Examines oral hard and soft tissues for any signs of pathology as well as oral cancer screenings. Assist dentist during exams and treatments as needed. Reviews patients' medical records and health questionnaire to determine existence of medical conditions which may impact dental care; conducts diagnostic radiographs with digital technology. Educates patients on dental hygiene needs, the progression and effects of periodontal disease and the importance of maintaining good oral health; provides home oral health care instructions and samples of all recommended supplies/products. Explain dental procedures and provide education of proposed treatment plan(s) to patients and family members. Promote preventive dental care and educate patients on oral hygiene, disease prevention and health-related conditions. Advise patients and community members concerning diet, activity, hygiene, and disease prevention. Provide health and wellness advice to patients or caregivers. Document all treatment in electronic dental records; perform dental/periodontal charting and maintain accurate, complete and timely electronic dental records in accordance with HIPAA, clinic protocols and billing protocols. Prepare official health documents and patient records with proper and ethical coding necessary for billing of all services provided. Encourage and practice proper infection control and other safety precautions. Perform required cleaning, maintenance and sterilization of instruments and equipment as well as maintenance of low/high volume suctions in operatory. Ensure the quality of the dental program and participate in work teams by reviewing, recommending and implementing improved policies and procedures. Recommend and assist with the design of dental hygiene program and policies. Assist with program and resource development, grant funding and coordination. May prepare reports which include disease statistics or medical status of individuals or other required information. Ensure personal and professional compliance with all applicable federal, state, tribal and local rules and regulations, AAAHC (Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Healthcare) and infection control standards. Ensure diagnosis, care and treatment follow all protocols established for dental program operations. Maintain and keep up to date in body of knowledge as a Dental Hygienist through continuing education as required by licensure and/or New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene from accredited post-secondary institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Bachelor Degree in Dental Hygiene preferred.
• One (1) year of professional clinical experience as a Dental Hygienist. Experience working in Native American or underserved community preferred.
• Current, active, full, and unrestricted license as a Dental Hygienist from any state or the District of Columbia.
• Current Local Anesthesia Certification.
• Current BLS or ACLS certification.