Registered Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist

Under the general supervision of the Dental Director, Samuels Sinclair Dental Center, under clinical supervision of a staff dentist, follows established policies and procedures in provision of dental care to specialized patient population comprised of mentally challenged, pediatric and high-risk inpatients and outpatients, including those with contagious and communicable diseases. Provides patient assessment, all preventative procedures primarily consisting of complete prophylaxis, including subgingival and supragingival scaling/polishing and root planing. Exposes and develops dental radiographs for diagnostic examination. Provide patient/family/group education. May polish amalgams, give fluoride treatments and apply tooth sealants. May assist dentist in providing care by setting up instruments, preparing materials, completing routine patient records, cleaning equipment and sterilizing instruments, seating and draping patients, and transferring instruments during treatment. All essential functions performed in this position reflect the age-specific needs of the patients. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another. In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include: Instill Trust and Value Differences Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs complete subgingival and supragingival scaling procedures, root planing, gingival irrigation, and subgingival periodontal antibiotic therapies.
• Performs prophylaxis/polishing procedures.
• Assesses, evaluates and records patient oral health and general health information.
• Administers patient fluoride treatments.
• May administer local anesthesia with appropriate documentation of training.
• Provides patient age-specific (patient/caregiver) education related to nutrition, general and dental/oral health, and conveys treatment and treatment plan to the patient, parent and/or caregiver.
• Responsible for maintaining and documenting, in a timely manner, the patient dental record regarding services provided and/or recommended.
• Responsible for proper charting, recording of treatment and treatment planning for patient examinations performed by the clinical dentist/specialist.
• Exposes and develops/processes intraoral/panorex dental radiographs.
• Performs blood pressures, making referrals when necessary.
• Adheres to blood born pathogen standards by monitoring/documenting daily compliance sterilization records and quarterly sterilization reporting.
• Cleans equipment and area and prepares for sterilization.
• Polishes/smoothes amalgam restorations. Prepares the teeth and applies dental sealants.
• Maintains OSHA and infection control procedures for clinical work area (handpieces, countertops, chairs, instrument soaking solutions) specified in the infection control policy.
• Maintains x-ray processor as indicated, cleaning thoroughly the radiograph tank/processor, rollers and pans.
• Monitors hygiene/prophylaxis supplies and dental x-ray film, notifying ordering personnel when reorder is necessary.
• Sharpens dental instruments utilizing sharpening stones and equipment. Prepares operatory and patient trays for daily schedule load.
• Performs basic dental assisting duties for the dentist, as necessary, for overall operations. May assist dentist in the operating room.
• Participates in departmental performance improvement activities.
• Develops in-service education programs in dental health for personnel involved in the health care for special population groups, orally and/or in writing and related to capacities and abilities.
• Coordinates, plans and presents community dental education to the appropriate extent, through health fairs, seminars and/or in-services to both in-house groups and various local outside agencies.
• Instructs and monitors performance of students/student hygienists as required through externship or shadowing experiences. Trains new clinical staff members through orientation and competency assessment.
• Performs other basic duties as necessary as prescribed by the Director for overall operations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

BASIC KNOWLEDGE: Completion of an accredited Dental Hygienist program. Must be legally licensed and registered in the State of Rhode Island. Certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Knowledge of the material and instruments required for each procedure. Certification in administration of local anesthesia as required by the State of Rhode Island, if administering local anesthesia. Demonstrated ability to operate computer system. Demonstrated interpersonal skills to deal effectively with patients, parents and dentists in order to allay patient fears, exchange information and manage and motivate patients in the practice of good oral health. Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

EXPERIENCE: Previous hospital or institutional experience preferred, including familiarity with pediatric, mentally challenged and special needs patients. Works in both clinical and operating room setting where direct contact with high risk patients requires utilization of universal infection control procedures. Exposure to radiation and materials routinely used in the practice of dentistry, however there is minimal risk when established safety procedures are followed. Prolonged periods of sitting or standing when performing dental procedures. Participation in the behavior management and physical restraint of uncooperative patients in the context of providing dental care to maintain safety of the patient and staff.

Pay Range: $39.56-$65.28

EEO Statement: Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location: Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Work Type: T, TH, F 8:00am-4:30pm

Work Shift: Day

Daily Hours: 8 hours

Driving Required: No