Dental Hygienist

Job Description

Job Description

Registered Dental Hygienist

Connect Health + Wellness is seeking candidates for a Full-time and/or Part-time Registered Dental Hygienist for our Dental Clinics located in Martinsville, Bassett and Patrick Springs, Virginia.

Connect Health + Wellness is committed to providing primary health, dental and integrated behavioral health services at our Federally Qualified Health Center sites and Dental Clinics by promoting health, reducing health risk factors, and increasing access to medical and dental services, primarily for the uninsured and underserved in our service area. Additionally, Connect Health + Wellness offers chronic disease self-management, medication assistance, and care coordination services to patients and residents within our service area.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Dental Hygienist performs various activities for a fast-paced Dental Clinic including assisting the dentist(s), and dental and dental hygiene students in the direct provision of primary care dental services to patients of the safety net dental clinic. The Dental Hygienist is responsible for providing quality, comprehensive, and appropriate dental care and maintenance for the general health of patient's mouth and teeth.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

1. Assist in the oral health management of patients.
2. Greet patients in a welcoming manner, go over medical history, and take vitals and record patient's chief complaints in detail to go over with the dentist.
3. Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by a dentist in accordance with state regulations and law.
4. Perform duties only appropriate to the education and experience of the dental hygienist and the practice of the supervising dentist.
5. Perform an initial examination of teeth and surrounding soft tissue including:
   1. a head and neck exam,
   2. charting of carious lesions,
   3. probing depths,
   4. signs of periodontal disease or possible cancers,
   5. recessed & bleeding gums, and
   6. any other abnormal conditions for further evaluation and diagnosis by the dentist.
6. Obtain oral hygiene assessment data and record patient-hygienist interactions in the patient's electronic dental record efficiently, accurately and in a timely manner following policies and procedures.

1. Take satisfactory and appropriate diagnostic radiographs that may include periapicals, bitewinqs, and panorex as directed by the dentist.
2. Perform routine prophy, scaling and root planing of natural and restored teeth using hand instruments, rotary instruments and/or ultrasonic devices.
3. Polish and apply topical fluoride varnish to teeth as needed.
4. Utilize topical anesthetics either in gel or spray form as appropriate to minimize patient's sensitivity during scaling and root planing.
5. Remove sutures as directed by the dentist.
6. Apply pit/fissure sealants and silver diamine fluoride to patients exhibiting moderate to high-risk caries as directed by the dentist.
7. Provide oral health education and appropriate individual counseling for dental patients.
8. Educate patients in oral hygiene and dental care, including proper tooth brushing, flossing, nutrition and need for professional care.
9. Assist with or initiate emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment of patients.
10. Provide service in a manner that is appropriate for the patient's age; demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to meet the patient's physical, psychosocial, educational and safety needs.
11. Respect the dignity, confidentiality, and privacy of patients.
12. Ensure all patients enjoy a positive experience and are treated with care and compassion.
13. Prepare operatory for patient care by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
14. Ensure that dental scalers are sharpened on a routine basis for patient care.
15. Assist with the maintenance of dental equipment, assist with ordering and maintaining appropriate level of dental supplies.
16. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of dentistry procedures, clinic infection control procedures, cleaning and sterilization of instruments, tray setup and materials.
17. Assist dentist as needed in a dental assistant capacity when the dental assistant is out.
18. Assist in reviewing clinic productivity, chart audits, and scheduling procedures.
19. Actively participate in community dental programs and outreach.
20. Assist with in-service and on-going training of clinic staff.
21. Build relationships and foster a high level of customer service.
22. Manage difficult clients and patients, demonstrating interpersonal savvy and influence skills.
23. Exercise professional judgment in the performance of services provided consistent with the organization’s policies and the standards of the dental profession.
24. Demonstrate a high degree of knowledge and competency in the practice of dentistry.
25. Perform assigned dental tasks using a high level of skill and ability.
26. Utilize and monitor effectiveness and efficiency of all equipment and supplies used in the delivery of services.
27. Communicate frequently with others in verbal and written communication.
28. Demonstrate awareness of current state, federal, and local laws governing the delivery of care.
29. Implement and evaluate operational and administrative processes.
30. Other duties as assigned.

Pay Range: $35.00 to $40.00 per hour

BENEFITS: (for Full-time employees)

• Paid Holidays (8)
• Paid Time Off (160 hours)
• Simple IRA Plan (with company match)
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance with AD&D coverage, Short-term and Long-term Disability coverage provided employer.
• Other voluntary plans available include voluntary life, critical illness, and accident coverage.