Dental Hygienist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Dental Hygienist is responsible for treating and educating patients in the control and prevention of oral disease such as caries (cavities) and periodontal (gum) disease through proper oral hygiene and regular professional care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reviews patient medical and dental history with the patient for currency and accuracy.

Gives direct patient care by providing thorough and gentle prophylaxis, fluoride treatment, sealants, patient education, periodontal examinations, periodontal scaling and root planning, selective polishing, overhang removal, application of desensitizing agents, oral cancer examination.

Takes blood sugar (when appropriate), and blood pressure on all adult patients and records in the chart.

Takes and processes several types of dental x-rays.

Practices within the scope of education, training, and personal capabilities.

Uses local anesthetic as needed for patient comfort.

Check on patient comfort during treatment; helps allay patient anxiety.

Communicates with patients in an understandable and professional way.

Responsible for clinical dental health education activities.

Recognizes and responds to emergencies.

Charts dental examinations in Dentrix.

Updates patient health history in Dentrix.

Makes accurate chart notes in Dentrix including the next visit and time needed.

Charts and dates each patient’s periodontal health.

Records accurate notes and initial entries on the provided treatment.

Collaborates with dentist when the case is appropriate for referral.

Communicates with the assistants in keeping inventory stocked and ordered.

Uses appropriate procedural coding.

Complies with “Universal Precautions” for infection control.

Maintains and fully understands the importance of patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.

Follows job related Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Center for Disease Control and Prevention requirements.

Functions at all times in a safe and professional manner.

Keeps accurate patient records, contacts patients for periodic cleaning, and answers patients' questions on dental hygiene.

SUPPORTING

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assists in maintenance of equipment.

Assists with inventory control.

May perform dental assistant duties as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

ANHC’s Mission, Vision and Values:
Actively supports ANHC’s mission, vision and values. Includes using individual skills to add value to the mission:
To be a trusted partner in every person’s wellness by providing integrated, compassionate, and high-quality health care, regardless of ability to pay; and vision:
Accessible care for a healthy Anchorage. Aligns actions around organizational values of RESPECT, COMPASSION, PERSONAL INTEGRITY, EXCELLENCE and COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT and gives priority to organizational mission, vision and values when making decisions.

Accountability:
Takes ownership for delivering on commitments; owns mistakes and uses them as opportunities for learning and development; openly discusses his/her actions and their consequences both good and bad; has an ability to identify strengths and developmental opportunities and leverages insight to make adjustments to improve their effectiveness; courage to have difficult conversations.

Adapting to Change:
Accepts and adapts to change in a professionally appropriate and thoughtful manner. Is willing to offer a different perspective or approach and yet knows when and how to stand down graciously and accept a well-thought-out decision. Embraces change.

Confidentiality:
Maintains the highest level of confidentiality regarding ANHC records and information relating to ANHC, its customers and employees. Appropriately uses internal confidential information for business purposes only.…