Dental Hygienist

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of a licensed Dentist in a clinical setting and using established dental hygiene protocols and procedures, the Dental Hygienist provides professional, high-quality dental care and education to a broad range of patients. Diagnoses and treats diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums, and related oral structures. Examines patient to determine nature of condition, utilizing x-rays, dental instruments, and other diagnostic procedures. Provides preventive dental services to patients, such as applications of fluoride and sealants to teeth, and education in oral and dental hygiene.

Job Responsibilities:

• Institutes and supervises oral hygiene practices; determines that aseptic techniques of treatment are followed; acquires and supervises maintenance of supplies and equipment necessary to perform all types of dental treatment.
• Coordinates local dental health projects; directs and participates in dental examinations of school age children; promotes dental health programs in public schools.
• Serves as an area consultant in promoting dental health education with local health departments; conducts state-wide program with local agencies and assists in establishing and maintaining an effective program on the local level.
• Examines and determines need for dental treatment of patients entering institution or clinic; participates in dental treatment by performing all procedures required to establish and maintain proper dental health for the patients.
• Serves as a consultant in dental problems to other medical and para-medical services in the institution, clinic, or other health facilities.
• Assists in promoting and maintaining good public relations among community groups and professional health organizations such as the North Carolina Dental Society.
• Determines that patients' charts and dental records are correctly maintained through accurate recording of all dental procedures performed on patient during period of confinement.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Provides high-quality dental hygiene care within the scope of service consistent with accepted standards of care.
• Evaluates patients and implements treatment regimens under the supervision of the Dentist.
• Provides complete documentation of all findings, treatments and outcomes.
• Initiates oral health education and prevention activities.
• Reviews and interprets patient dental records.
• Works cooperatively with other Dental Program staff.
• Helps out where needed to ensure smooth, efficient running of Dental Program.

Minimum Training and Experience Requirements:

Graduation from an approved school of dentistry and two years of experience in the general practice of dentistry.