Dental Hygienist

SUMMARY OF MAJOR FUNCTIONS Under the direct supervision of the Dental Director, the Dental Hygienist will render educational, preventive and therapeutic dental services and diagnosis, and treatment planning for such services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Coordinates with dental team to evaluate, diagnose, and provide treatment for active disease states in the oral cavity. Prepares treatment plan for dental hygiene services in accordance with existing condition, including periodontal probing.

Upon referral from the dentist, examines patient's teeth and surrounding tissues to determine extent of abnormal condition requiring treatment.

Records and evaluates medical and dental history of each patient to determine if systemic conditions are present which may alter standard treatment.

Performs oral prophylaxis and provides therapeutic care in cases of acute gingivitis and periodontal disease using a variety of scalers and ultrasonic equipment. Performs temporary and interim therapeutic restorations as directed.

Under the direction and supervision of the Dentist, performs deep scaling, root planning, and subgingival curettage to remove deposits. Determines and applies the appropriate sealant or fluoride.

Administers nitrous oxide/oxygen conscious sedation for hygiene services and other providers’ treatment. Administers local anesthesia.

Provides oral hygiene instruction for all patients, using demonstrations and audiovisual aids for those with special oral needs.

Takes, develops and interprets intraoral and extraoral radiographs to determine areas of calcium deposits and periodontal involvement.

Uses radiographs in educating and motivating patients.

Maintains proper infection control procedures during preparation for patient treatment; performs cleanup after patient treatment.

Prepares for and participates in outreach events and vaccine clinics.

Provides tours to pharmacy team, patients, and other visiting tribal entities.

Manages opening and closing dental clinic tasks.

Maintains inventory list and electronic binder; orders new materials and supplies as needed; receives and organizes supplies.

Implements and updates task management system. Assists with maintenance of patient electronic dental records.

Maintains equipment and ensures proper functioning.

Participates in writing, reviewing, and updating operating procedures for dental clinic.

Manages, organizes, and implements home care station for dental clinic.

Manages clinic maintenance tasks, including testing and sterilization.

Attends meetings as required.

Performs all functions delegable to dental assistants and expanded function dental assistants, providing the hygienist is appropriately trained.

Participates in patient recall system.

Develops, implements, and assesses a comprehensive dental hygiene program for both eligible and non-eligible beneficiaries and aids in the tribal specific programs, both on and off site, such as sealant clinics, Head Start, etc.

Identifies and pursues methods of professional growth and career development in areas identified as a need for self and staff.

Uses judgment in selecting and adapting techniques, procedures, and materials most appropriate for treating the specific problems of each patient. Situations requiring significant deviations from the guidelines are referred to the dentist.

Reviews work and provides performance feedback to assigned Dental Assistant.

Performs as dental receptionist in his or her absence.

Performs hygiene services at alternate locations with Expanded Practice permit.

Other duties as assigned.

The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principle functions of the job as identified, and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Requires the ability to communicate orally, repetitive movement of the wrists, hands and/or fingers, often requires standing, walking, sitting for extended periods of time, raising or lowering objects, and occasionally requires lifting up to 25 pounds. Requires occasional climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Work is…