Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist

The Dental Hygienist is a valuable member of our Primary Care team who 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 for clinic and community dental health education activities. Scheduled Hours: 40 hours per week

Essential Functions

• Improve the oral health of patients through the delivery of periodontal therapies and other dental hygiene-related services.
• Enhance the efficiency of the clinic by performing expanded duties as allowable by law and as directed by the dentist.
• Ensure all patients enjoy a positive experience and are treated with the care and compassion expected.
• Ensure all patient records and related documentation are managed and maintained timely, accurately, and consistent with all HIPAA and related regulations and requirements.
• Ensure all tasks provide and associated with patient care, patient administrative processes, and related duties complying with all regulatory and accreditation standards, as well as clinic policies and procedures.
• Ensure direct patient care is delivered using established dental hygiene procedures.
• 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.
• Establish favorable working relationships with all staff members and associated with clinic operations, including clerks, dental assistants, dentists, and related staff. This shall also include the Practice Manager, Nurse Manager, and the Dental Office Manager.
• Uphold and consistently represent the values and mission of the organization at all times. Always represent the organization in a highly professional manner.
• Ensure compliance and attention to all corporate policies and procedures.
• Complete continuing education as necessary to retain state license.
• Provide direct patient care and dental services as trained, licensed, and assigned. Assess dental condition and needs of patient using approved patient screening procedures, including medical history review, dental charting, and periodontal charting.
• Evaluate overall oral health, examining oral cavity for signs of periodontal disease or possible cancers, including recessed and bleeding gums, and oral lesions.
• Expose intraoral and extra oral dental radiographs.
• Document dental history or chief complaint; record and report pertinent observations and patient reactions to dentists, as appropriate
• Document lab procedures and ensure follow up on results.
• 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.
• Assist with or initiate emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment of patients.
• Conduct dental health clinics for community groups to augment services of dentists.
• Help patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment.
• Educate patients in oral hygiene and dental care, including proper tooth brushing, flossing, nutrition and need for professional care.
• Demonstrate commitment to the mission of the organization in promoting dental health.
• 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.
• Read, write, and maintain patient records and related administrative documentation.
• Utilize the requisite tools, systems, technology, and equipment in the collection of patient data, records, management, and collections.
• Maintain a recall system with the EHR/EDR system.
• Utilization of intraoral camera in clinical documentation.
• Provide oral hygiene care in an integrated clinical environment.
• Provide dental services at multiple Community Health Center locations. May also engage in community-based activities within the county as related to oral health education and oral health promotions.
• Assist in instrument processing and sterilization, in accordance with standard guidelines set forth by the agency.
• Participates in the Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE) and Focused Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE) evaluation process.
• May be assigned to various site locations to provide care to patients as needed.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Successful completion of an accredited dental hygienist program
• Current Registered Dental Hygienist with state licensure.
• Current CPR certification
• Certification to administer local anesthesia.

Supplemental Information

As the largest human service provider in Lake County, we believe that services must be available without barriers. No residents are turned away due to the inability to pay. We believe in providing services in an environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination or bias. Whether assuring accessible and effective care, impacting policy, or assessing and monitoring risks, the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center has been an essential part of the public health system in Lake County for 60 years. We are looking for passionate, qualified team members who can help make a difference in our agency and, most importantly, in our community.

At this time, you must live in Illinois or Wisconsin to be eligible to work at Lake County Health Department. You can find our salary grades at . For unionized positions, a list of our collective bargaining agreements can be found here: .

Any offer of employment is conditioned on the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.