Dental Hygienist

Job Description

Job Description

The Dental Hygienist provides preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene services to patients of Hamilton Health Center. This role supports clinical dental operations through direct patient care, education, and collaboration with dental providers to promote oral health and overall wellness. The Dental Hygienist may support both clinic-based and community-based care delivery,

depending on operational needs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:· Provide direct patient care, including dental cleanings, polishing, fluoride treatments, sealants, and radiographs (bitewings, periapical, panorex as applicable)· Perform patient assessments, including medical history review, dental charting, and periodontal evaluations· Assist in the development and implementation of individualized dental care plans under the supervision of a dentist· Educate patients on oral hygiene practices, disease prevention, and post-treatment care· Document patient information, clinical findings, and services provided accurately in the electronic health record· Perform patient triage and support care for walk-in patients as appropriate· Assist with patient flow, including intake, preparation, and discharge processes· Collaborate with dentists, dental assistants, and support staff to ensure efficient clinical operations· Maintain infection control standards in accordance with ADA, OSHA, and CDC guidelines· Ensure patient confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies
Community & Preventive Support (as applicable): · Participate in community-based or school-based oral health initiatives· Provide oral health education and preventive services in outreach settings as needed KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS:· Knowledge of dental hygiene procedures, protocols, and standards of care· Ability to assess dental and periodontal conditions and support treatment planning· Strong communication skills with the ability to educate patients and families effectively· Ability to work both independently and within a collaborative care team· Familiarity with infection control standards and dental equipment
MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:· Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene required
LICENSURE & CERTIFICATIONS:· Current, unrestricted Pennsylvania Dental Hygienist license· Current CPR/BLS certification· PHDHP certification preferred, or willingness to obtain PHDHP certification with organizational support· Ability to obtain required clearances (including child abuse clearance)· Must be malpractice insurable
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:Hamilton Health Clinic is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse work environment where all employees are valued, respected, and have the opportunity to succeed. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.
LANGUAGE SKILLSAbility to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively with co-workers, internal and external customers, and outside contractors and vendors.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLSAbility to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
REASONING SKILLSAbility to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/MOTOR COORDINATIONRequires hand-eye coordination; finger dexterity, and a combination of sitting, standing, climbing, stooping, balancing, kneeling, reaching, carrying, pushing, pulling, lifting (up to 15 pounds). Must be able to write, type, use telephone and computer systems, and other office equipment. May require sitting or standing for long periods of time.
WORK ENVIRONMENTExposure to routine medical office/health clinic conditions as well as adverse environmental conditions such as dust, temperature and noise extremes, etc. May be exposed to infectious or contagious disease.
This job description is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with this position. While intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to review and change this description as needed to maintain business goals and accomplishments. Job descriptions are reviewed periodically. This job description is not a contract.