Dental Hygienist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Dental Hygienist is responsible for providing comprehensive dental care, focusing on both preventative and therapeutic treatments. Their duties will include conducting routine dental screenings, administering prophylactic and therapeutic procedures, and offering oral health education to patients. Dental Hygienists play a crucial role in supporting patients' oral hygiene and contributing to overall dental wellness.

• Taking patient periodical, panoramic, bite wing, and occlusal x-rays; making preliminary examinations to screen for periodontal problems; observing and reporting oral conditions; examining mouth, throat, and pharynx; examining teeth for plaque index; observing and reporting symptoms of acute physical distress and reassuring apprehensive patients.
• Patient treatment, planning and consultation including interpreting routine X-rays for purpose of providing dental hygiene services; planning the sequence of dental hygiene procedures for appointments or series of appointments; reviewing patient medical and dental histories; preparing treatment plan for plaque control; planning and adapting diet for patients; answering patient inquiries regarding use of nonprescription drugs, such as toothpaste and mouthwashes; and patient education regarding dental disease prevention and treatment.
• Preventive and therapeutic service including using ultrasonic devices and hand instruments to remove supra‑gingival and sub‑gingival calculus, performing root planing, applying disclosing solutions to the teeth to identify plaque, applying fluoride to the teeth; cleaning interproximal surfaces of teeth using dental floss or tape, polishing coronal surfaces of the teeth; applying fluoride to the teeth, and performing oral prophylaxis on ambulatory patients.
• Administers local anesthesia and/or nitrous oxide analgesia if licensed to administer local anesthesia. Studies result of examination and determines types of services required and develops an acceptable treatment plan for periodontal treatment. Performs dental hygiene prophylactic care for patients with behavioral problems. Informs the patient about good dental health practices.
• Participates in Community outreach programs at local schools, head start, and community centers, etc.
• Undertakes additional responsibilities as delegated and directed by the supervisor to support the overall functioning and objectives of the Rocky Boy Health Center, which may include tasks such as assisting with administrative duties, participating in quality improvement initiatives, contributing to team projects, or engaging in professional development activities.

• Associate of Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene or related field.
• Current license as Registered Dental Hygienist in the State of Montana or ability to obtain before starting position.

This position is open to all equally qualified applicants. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be considered. Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check and pre‑employment drug test, with successful applicants subject to a 60‑day probationary period.