Dental Clinic: Dental Hygienist

Overall Summary:Provide quality dental care and associated services to patients under the general supervision of a dentist using established dental hygiene procedures. Assist other staff in a variety of patient care, office and laboratory duties. Delivers dental health education activities for the clinic and community.Essential Responsibilities: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 & bleeding gums, and oral lesions.Acquire radiographic images.Document dental history or chief complaint; record and report pertinent observations and patient reactions to dentists, as appropriate.Document laboratory 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 sub-gingival scaling and curettage, application of fluoride treatments, and protective sealants and administration of anesthetic.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, including mobile.Applying organization G.U.E.S.T. model to 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 is 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.Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of dentistry procedures, clinic infection control procedures, cleaning and sterilization of instruments, tray setup and materials.Demonstrate knowledge of established oral hygiene concepts and periodontal therapies.Secondary Responsibilities: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.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 provided and associated with patient care, patient administrative processes, and related duties comply with all regulatory and accreditation standards, as well as clinic policies and procedures.Ensure quality of 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 associated with clinic operations, including Patient Services Reps (PSR), dental assistants, dentists, and related staff.Uphold and consistently represent the values and mission of the organization at all times.Represent the organization in a highly professional manner at all times.Ensure compliance and attention to all corporate policies and procedures.Complete continuing education as necessary to retain state license.Other duties as assigned.Attend webinars, workshops, training and/or meetings as requested by the Clinic Manager.QUALIFICATIONS:Successful completion of an accredited dental hygienist program.Current Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) or Registered Dental Hygienist in Extended Functions (RDHEF) with state licensure.Current CPR and radiation safety certification.Demonstrated success with clear thinking and ability to reorganize as needed.Proven ability to work independently, prioritize and problem solve.Strong organization abilities.High computer literacy including ability to use the computer for scheduling, entering dental records and taking digital x-rays.Demonstrated success in providing quality customer service/patient care or working with the general public, preferably in a medical care facility.Proven ability in managing difficult customer/patient situationsSignificant knowledge of dental practices and procedures.Demonstrated proficiency and experience with direct patient services and the proper knowledge and use of dental devices and equipment.Strong written and verbal communication skillsProven ability to foster strong, collaborative team-dynamics that ensure a supportive and engaged team cultureWork Conditions:Travel locally to visit other sites, may require a day or overnight trip to attend events; workload may be demanding at times; require professionalism and confidentiality.Physical Demands:This position requires:Sitting, walking, and standing associated with a normal medical, clinical and administrative office environment, with some bending, reaching, stretching, and lifting up to 25 pounds.Manual dexterity for tasks involving standard office equipment and computer keyboard, including repetitive movements, such as typing.Traveling to work sites, including some exposure to outside elements.Exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations, requiring adherence to extensive safety precautions and possibly the use of protective equipment.Supervises:None

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