DENTAL HYGIENIST

Dental Hygienist - 64061262

This position is in the Dental Unit of the St. Lucie County Health Department and functions under the guidance and leadership of the Dental Director. This is work providing Dental Hygiene Services, conducting preventative and educational Dental Health Programs in clinic and/or outreach, school settings. This position will also assist other sites or the sealant program for coverage as needed. This is a full-time, in-office position.

Removes calculus deposits, accretions and stains from exposed surfaces of the teeth and from the tooth surfaces within the gingival sulcus. Performs gingival curettage and root planning. Pre-assesses and charts suspected findings of the oral cavity. Takes Vital Signs. Records procedures performed in treatment record. Places, exposes, processes, and mounts dental radiographic film. Assists the dentist in rendering treatment at the chair side as required of four handed dentistry (such as preparing trays with necessary instruments and supplies and handing them to the dentist as needed). Prepares various restorative materials. Performs functions such as placing temporary medicinal fillings, removing sutures, polishing restorative and clinical crowns of teeth, placing pit and fissure sealant, etc. under the supervision of the dentist. Responsible for keeping sufficient supplies of material and instruments. Sterilizes instruments and cleans dental equipment according to infection control, OSHA and Departmental guidelines. Instructs patients in oral hygiene care and supervises patient oral hygiene care. Comply with all Department of Health and Dental security and confidentiality rules and requirements. Performs other related duties as assigned in addition to the temporary assignments to other clinic sites. Maintains required paperwork, including reviewing encounter forms for completeness; submits clinic reports on time to meet scheduled deadlines. Submits travel, invoices or receives the notifications in MFMP in accordance with FS 215.422 Prompt Payment Statue.

Knowledge of dental hygiene and public health principles, practices, and techniques. Ability to work with clients and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to plan and evaluate services provided. Ability to organize and coordinate work assignments. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing. Skill in computer software applications.

Licensed Dental Hygienist as required by Chapter 468 Florida Statutes. Bilingual preferred.

Saint Lucie, Florida/Fort Pierce, Florida