Dental Hygienist Job Charleston area,Illinois USA,Dental / Dentistry

Dental Hygienist

Perform professional dental care in the field of dental hygiene including all related clinical procedures, chair side assisting, inventory and records. Has broad responsibilities for clinical and community dental health education activities.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

Oral prophylaxis; instruction for proper home care techniques for oral hygiene including proper tooth brushing, flossing, nutrition, and need for professional care.

Primarily responsible for the initiation and maintenance of the dental prevention and dental education programs.

Topical fluorides; screen and evaluate patients regarding caries detection, periodontal pathology, medical history; exposing, processing, and mounting of radiographs, supra and sub gingival scaling and curettage.

Root planning; performing of expanded duties where qualified, as delegated by collaborative dentist, if working as a public health or expanded function hygienist as governed by Illinois law.

Responsible for preparation and setting up instruments, materials, and equipment necessary for each procedure.

Responsible for taking, reviewing and copying dental x-rays.

Responsible for the sterilization of instruments, and the cleaning and routine maintenance of equipment and work areas.

Schedule patients, handle routine reception work, accurately record information on patient records.

Help to identify related medical and/or social problems.

Maintain inventory of supplies and materials as well as maintain thorough and accurate documentation inventory.

Administration of local anesthetics.

Assists in the training of dental assistants.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills, abilities:

Working knowledge of all phases of the field of dental hygiene. Skill in the techniques of oral hygiene procedures and the use of equipment, instruments, and materials.

Knowledge and practice of preventative dentistry and ability to instruct patients individually and in groups.

Ability and willingness to learn.

Ability to establish and maintain effective communications with patients and coworkers.

Ability to communicate in English and Spanish desirable.

Desire to expand abilities.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to motivate patients.

Ability to prepare and maintain charts, records, logs, and reports.

Ability to establish and maintain effective and positive working relationship with patients and staff.

Maintain CPR Certification.

Education and experience:

Graduation from an accredited school of dental hygiene and possess a valid Illinois license. Public health certification or willingness to obtain certification within two years of employment.

Physical demands:

Light physical activity performing non-strenuous daily activities of an administrative nature. Local travel by personal automobile is required along with a valid driver's license and insured automobile, if necessary.

Work schedule:

Normal work hours for this position are Monday through Friday dayshift. Attendance at off site meetings will be required with no overnight stay. Occasional out-of-town travel may be required.

Compliance statement:

Abide by the requirements of all applicable state and federal laws.

Medical home statement:

Be aware and understand expectations and responsibilities of the patient centered medical home. Understand role, complete relevant duties, and the requirement to maintain highest level of proficiency within scope, as part of this team-based approach in the patient care continuum.

Comprehensive benefit package for full-time:

Health insurances:
Choose from medical, dental, and vision plan offerings with coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
Flexible spending accounts (FSA):
Save tax-free on medical and dependent care expenses.
Health savings account (HSA):
Set aside pre-tax funds for medical expenses with no rollover limits.
Life insurance:
Employer-paid life and AD&D insurance with additional voluntary options.
Disability insurance:
Employer-paid disability insurance for eligible positions.
401(k): SIHF matches dollar-for-dollar on the first 4% you contribute, with immediate vesting.
Paid time off (PTO):
Accrue vacation, sick leave, and holidays, including a floating holiday.
Paid parental leave:
Eligible employees can receive employer-paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child.
Other benefits:
Tuition reimbursement, corporate discounts, travel assistance, employee assistance program, voluntary short- and long-term disability, and more.