Dental Hygienist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

Diagnose and provide treatment as allowed by the Dental Practice Act

• Care
  • Greet patients when they sign in and monitor arrival time
  • Escort and seat patients to treatment rooms
  • Show care and concern, and help patient’s feel comfortable
  • Ensure patients’ questions are answered thoroughly before they leave, giving instruction and demonstrating as necessary
  • Monitor patient flow
• Treatment
  • Patient screening, such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of the health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspection, dental charting and taking blood pressure and pulse
  • Take diagnostic dental radiographs (x-rays) and intra‑oral pictures
  • Administer local anesthetics, as applicable
  • Examine gums for disease and accurately chart periodontal findings
  • Remove calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teeth
  • Apply preventive materials to the teeth (e.g., sealants and fluorides)
  • Place medicaments sub‑gingivally to treat disease
  • Teach patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health, e.g., tooth brushing and flossing
  • Counsel patients about good nutrition and its impact on oral health
  • Take impressions of patients’ teeth, then pour and trim for study casts, or patient trays for fluoride or whitening
  • Properly document and other activities associated with office or chart management
  • Perform clinical procedures as Practice Act allows
  • Work with dentist to optimize patient’s oral health

• Keep dental units and treatment rooms ready, stocked and clean
• Disinfect treatment rooms according to OSHA regulations
• Set up treatment rooms for procedures
• Keep trays, instruments and equipment organized and sterilized as applicable

• Securely store and handle patient records in compliance with state and federal requirements, including HIPAA privacy and security regulations
• Accurately chart or file patient information, including medical and dental histories, and treatment rendered
• Assist in the administration of recall system

• Help in other areas of the office as necessary, e.g.,
• Answering phones:
  New patients (thank you and referral), After‑care/post‑op, Confirmations, Pending treatment and Recall
• Verifying insurance
• Unpacking supplies
• Marketing:
  Community‑based, Asking for referrals, Cleaning:
  Bathrooms, Hallways, Operatories and Lab & Sterilization
• Be active in team meetings
• Promote team concept by interacting with others in the office

*** The company reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

• Education:
  
  Associate's or bachelor’s degree from an accredited dental hygiene program
• Experience:
  
  One to two years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Compliance: with state dental practice requirements, e.g., OSHA training, required CEs, CPR (BLS) certification, etc.