Dental Hygienist

The purpose of this classification is to provide dental health education and dental prophylaxis services to the community at an assigned clinic, local schools, or other locations in Knox County.

• Provide dental prophylaxis services to prevent and control dental diseases and to promote dental health through organized community efforts
• Performs dental services under direct supervision of a licensed/registered dentist and in accordance with rules/regulations of the Tennessee Board of Health, and all other applicable rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures
• Develops, coordinates, and conducts school-based dental sealant program activities; meets with school principals to explain program; ensures availability of necessary space and utilities
• Prepares dental records for each child; coordinates screening of each child by a dental hygienist or oral evaluation by a dentist; coordinates delivery and setup of dental equipment at school
• Reviews patient health history for any reactions to medications, which might alter or affect dental treatment
• Prepares patient dental charts reflecting accurate charting of restorations, missing teeth, decay, sealants, diastemas, and other abnormalities such as supernumerary teeth or oral lesions
• Performs routine preventive dental treatment. Assists in providing other dental care services as directed by department officials or attending dentist
• Takes, develops, and assists in interpretation of x-rays; determines correct use of angles; ensures proper contact between teeth for diagnosis of decay; educates patients regarding results of x-rays, such as missing teeth, abscesses, bone loss, calculus, or decay
• Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, database, or other software programs
• Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and standards; maintains an awareness of new treatments, procedures, equipment, trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate

• Respond to and report immediately if called upon by local, regional or central office supervisors, as part of a coordinated emergency response by the Knox County Mayor’s Office
• Ensure regular, punctual attendance during scheduled work hours
• Perform other duties as required

• Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene or closely related field; supplemented by one (1) year previous experience and/or training involving dental hygiene and public health administration; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered for employment into the position
• Must possess and maintain valid Dental Hygienist License issued by the Tennessee Board of Health; possess and maintain valid CPR certification; participate in annual continuing education classes as required by the Tennessee Board of Health
• May require possessing and maintain a valid Tennessee Driver’s License depending upon work assignment

• N/A
• Basic understanding of computers, printers and other office equipment
• Must be proficient in Windows OS and Microsoft Office
• Ability to focus and demonstrate great attention to detail
• Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team
• Requires the ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria. Includes exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives
• Requires the ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program, or designated area of responsibility
• Requires the ability to read a variety of dental and medical documentation, directions, instructions, methods and procedures
• Requires the ability to write reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech; ability to speak with and before others…