Registered Dental Hygienist

Registered Dental Hygienist

Under the direct supervision of the Dental Quality and Outreach supervisor, the registered dental hygienist of Omni Family Health (Omni) provides quality dental care and associated services to patients under the general supervision of a dentist and using established dental hygiene procedures. Assist other staff in a variety of patient care, office and laboratory duties. Perform broad responsibilities via the mobile clinic and the community dental outreach screenings and educational activities.

Job Duties:

1. Improve the oral health of patients through the delivery of periodontal therapies and other dental hygiene-related services.
2. Enhance the efficiency of the clinic by performing expanded duties as allowable by law and as directed by the supervising dentist.
3. Ensure all patients enjoy a positive experience, and are treated with the care and compassion expected.
4. Ensure all patient records and related documentation are managed and maintained timely, accurately, and consistent with all HIPAA and related regulations and requirements.
5. Ensures the department provides cohesive support to the mission, vision, and core values while delivering superior customer service.
6. Ensure all tasks provided and associated with patient care, patient administrative processes, and related duties comply with all regulatory and accreditation standards, as well as clinic policies and procedures.
7. Develop favorable relationships with all patients. Interact positively with patients to provide information and education about oral hygiene, handle and resolve patient concerns with enthusiasm and empathy.
8. Establish favorable working relationships with all staff members associated with clinic operations, including Omni outreach staff and dental management team.
9. Uphold and consistently represent the values and mission of the organization.
10. Ensure compliance and attention to all corporate policies and procedures.
11. Complete continuing education as necessary to retain state license.
12. Work closely with all corporate branches, divisions, and/or departments in accordance with Omni's policies and procedures.
13. Other duties and/or responsibilities including assisting with dental grants and supporting dental quality areas may be assigned from time to time.
14. Travel may be required.

Essential Functions:

1. Provide direct patient care and dental services as trained, licensed, and assigned.
2. Assess dental condition and needs of patient using approved patient screening procedures, including medical history review, dental charting, and periodontal charting.
3. Evaluate overall oral health, examining oral cavity for signs of periodontal disease or possible cancers, including recessed & bleeding gums, and oral lesions.
4. Expose, process and mount radiograph films.
5. Document dental history or chief complaint; record and report pertinent observations and patient reactions to dentist, as appropriate.
6. Follow through with oral hygiene procedures in accordance with treatment plans prescribed by the attending dentist. Procedures may include: prophylaxis, periodontal scaling, root planning, debridement, supra and subgingival scaling and curettage, application of fluoride treatments, and application of protective sealants.
7. Assist with or initiate emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment of patients.
8. Conduct dental health clinics for community groups and local schools to further support access to care.
9. Help patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment.
10. Educate patients in oral hygiene and dental care, including proper tooth brushing, flossing nutrition and need for professional care.
11. Demonstrate commitment to the mission of the organization in promoting dental health.
12. Present Omni as assigned at various public health activities or other health care entities to support the oral health access in the community.
13. Interact positively with a diverse, sometimes difficult, and demanding patient population. 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.
14. Utilize the requisite tools, systems, technology and equipment in the collection of patient data, records management and collections.
15. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of dentistry procedures, clinic infection control procedures, cleaning and sterilization of instruments, tray setup and materials.
16. Demonstrate knowledge of established oral hygiene concepts and periodontal therapies.

Additional Duties:

1. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Compliance: Responsible for maintaining abreast of and in compliance with all HIPAA regulations and requirements.
2. Compliance: Ensure compliance with all local, state and federal regulations.
3. Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement (QA/QI): Participate as required in QA/QI activities and contribute towards the overall quality improvement initiatives of the organization.
4. Information Technology (IT): May be required to learn and use the electronic health record and its components as required by the job functions and highlighted in the policies and procedures. These components include NextGen, PMS, and other electronic features as they are developed and implemented, as applicable to work environment.
5. Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH): All employees will participate in PCMH at Omni Family Health.
6. Audits: Contribute to required Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Operational Site Visit (OSV), The Joint Commission, and other audit events.
7. Must be alert and respect confidentiality of information of all types "general personnel, and/or patient related information."
8. Promotes and believes in Omni's mission statement.
9. Ability to relate to the public regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, disability, or economic status.

Qualifications, Education, and Experience:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Successful completion of an accredited dental hygienist program.
3. Current Registered Dental Hygienist with state licensure.
4. Current CPR and radiation safety certification.
5. Possess a valid CA driver's license.