Dental Hygienist

Job Summary:

Responsible for the direct provision of oral hygiene and appropriate preventative services to dental patients.

Functions and Responsibilities:

1.0 Assists in the oral health management of clients.

1.1 Obtains baseline oral hygiene assessment data based upon accepted principals of oral hygiene and periodontal care

1.2 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 department clinical protocols

1.3 Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by a dentist in accordance with state regulations and dental department protocols

1.4 Performs dental prophylaxis: cleans calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments

1.5 Examines gums using probes and visually, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease

1.6 Applies fluorides and other cavity preventing agents to arrest dental decay

2.0 Maintains dental clinical records

2.1 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

2.2 Charts conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist

2.3 Examines and maps dental patterns of patients

2.4 Records and maintains files

2.5 Schedule future appointments as needed

3.0 Compliance

3.1 Responsible for personal compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local rules, regulations, protocols, policies and procedures governing dental hygiene and the clinical provision of dental hygiene services

3.2 Responsible for personal compliance with LSCHC policies, protocols, etc.

3.3 Maintains client confidentiality

4.0 Infection control

4.1 Insures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with department protocols, organization policies and state and federal regulations

4.2 Ability to take diagnostic x-rays

4.3 Maintains compliance with department directives and protocols relative to infection control, exposure and safety

5.0 Miscellaneous

5.1 Receives and places telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business, and patient care

5.2 Performs other duties as assigned

5.3 Provides oral health education and appropriate individual counseling for all dental patients and staff if needed

5.4 Participates in quality assurance program within the dental department

5.5 Assists in the maintenance of all department areas in compliance with department and organizational policies relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues

6.0 SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES

6.1 Establish and maintain a professional working relationship with each member of the dental care team.

6.2 Maintain knowledge of and comply with dental policies and procedures.

6.3 Other duties as assigned.

7.0 Miscellaneous Duties

7.1 Actively participate in staff meetings and in-services.

7.2 Participate in continuing education and professional growth.

7.3 Adhere to the standards and policies of the organization

Job Qualifications:

• Licensed by the MN Board of Dentistry & WI Board of Dentistry to practice as a Registered Dental Hygienist
• Graduate from an accredited school of dental hygiene
• Able to provide dental care in a sensitive, nonjudgmental manner to persons of all economic levels and cultural backgrounds
• Proficient with using computers
• Effective oral and written communication skills

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work efficiently and productively at all times.
• Ability to maintain an even temperament with patients and staff.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Ability to use problem-solving and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to use tact, collaboration, and diplomacy when working with others.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.

Licensure and Credentials:

• Active Dental Hygiene License
• Current CPR (BLS) required

Physical Demands

• Prolonged sitting and/or standing
• Physical movement and the degree of mobility, manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination performed on a repetitive basis
• Work under stressful conditions may be required
• Frequent exposure to communicable disease, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, radiation and other conditions common to a clinical environment may routinely be encountered

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (403b)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development