Dental Hygienist, RDH

Dental Hygienist

Under the general direction of the Dental Director, the supervision of the Clinical Dental Supervisor, the indirect supervision of each patient's treating dentist, and the administrative direction of the Health Center Manager, the Dental Hygienist assesses patient needs, and plans and delivers direct dental care and associated services to patients. Utilizes established dental hygiene protocol and procedures.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

1. Assesses dental condition and needs of patient; uses patient screening procedures, to include medical history review, dental charting, and perio charting; takes patient vital signs as required;
2. Delivers direct patient care to patients as assigned, using established dental hygienist procedures; performs routine treatment procedures, such as cleaning, polishing, expose/develop x-rays, patient education, application of sealants and fluorides, and related procedures;
3. Develops and implements individualized dental care plans for patients; performs patient education, discharge planning, and patient/family teaching under the supervision of a qualified dentist;
4. Provides chair-side assistance to dentist in the performance of special tests, procedures, and complex treatments;
5. Makes impressions of patients' teeth for study casts;
6. Documents dental history or chief complaint; records and reports pertinent observations and patient reactions to dental staff, as appropriate; documents lab procedures and ensures follow up on results;
7. Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment of patients;
8. Performs patient triage and initiates patient care as appropriate for walk-in patients;
9. Assists in preparation of patient care areas, and in the patient admission, transfer, and discharge process, as required; prepares reports and assists as required with patient reception, telephone calls, routine triage, and other office duties;
10. Scrubs instruments and prepares them for autoclaving;
11. Sanitizes and disinfects operatory, sharpens instruments, and restocks with necessary materials, instruments, and supplies;
12. Writes prescriptions for endorsement by the dentist and calls them into pharmacy.
13. Triages emergency patients for the dentist;
14. Participate in site and organizational quality assurance and improvement;
15. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned;

Requirements:

1. Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Dental Hygiene;
2. Two years of experience in a clinic or community health setting is preferred;
3. Bi-lingual English/Spanish is preferred;

Licenses/Certifications Required:

1. Current licensure as a Dental Hygienist in the State of New Mexico;
2. NM Board Certified (Registered);
3. Anesthesia License – Board Certified;
4. CPR certification required within 6 months of hire;

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

1. Knowledge of Federal, State, and institutional regulations and guidelines for the provision of dental outpatient services;
2. Knowledge of patient screening, charting, and medical history procedures and documentation;
3. Ability to independently assess the nature and extent of dental, periodontic, and associated conditions and pathology in dental outpatients;
4. Ability to perform a full range of established dental hygienist protocol and procedures;
5. Ability to analyze medical records and prescribed protocol to formulate effective therapeutic treatment plans,
6. Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel;
7. Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines;
8. Knowledge and understanding of dental surgery and associated procedures, terminology, and techniques;
9. Ability to independently perform emergency dental procedures;
10. Knowledge of patient admission, triage, transfer, and discharge procedures and documentation
11. Knowledge and familiarity with compliance program. Cooperate fully and comply with laws and regulations;

Age of Patient Served:

1. Pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric

Physical Characteristics/Working Conditions:

1. Physical Effort and Dexterity: Good dexterity to operate personal computer and dental and laboratory equipment. The employee frequently is required to talk and hear; stand for long periods of time; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds. or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to blood and blood-borne pathogens and/or physical risks,
2. Machines, Tools, Equipment: Capable of using dental instruments and equipment, office machines and personal computers for word-processing and data retrieval and maintenance of electronic dental records.
3. Visual Acuity, Hearing, and Speaking: Must be able to read results of computer monitor and outputs accurately. Must be able to see variations in oral structures that may be 0.1mm in size or smaller. Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance.
4. Environment/Working Conditions: Work is mostly inside a clinic in a controlled environment. Normal clinic safety precautions and practices are required. Position may require travel throughout the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Work regularly scheduled Monday-Friday, although weekends may be required to meet deadlines.