Dental Hygienist

Job Description

Job Summary

• Diagnose and provide treatment as allowed by the Dental Practice Act

Responsibilities

Patient Management

• Care

o greet patients when they sign in and monitor arrival time

o escort and seat patients to treatment rooms

o show care and concern, and help patient’s feel comfortable

o ensure patients’ questions are answered thoroughly before they leave, giving instruction and demonstrating as necessary

o monitor patient flow

• Treatment

o 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

o take diagnostic dental radiographs (x-rays) and intra-oral pictures

o administer local anesthetics, as applicable

o examine gums for disease and accurately chart periodontal findings

o remove calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teeth o apply preventive materials to the teeth (e.g., sealants and fluorides)

o place medicaments sub-gingivally to treat disease

o teach patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health, e.g., tooth brushing and flossing

o counsel patients about good nutrition and its impact on oral health

o take impressions of patients' teeth, then pour and trim for study casts, or patient trays for fluoride or whitening

o properly document and other activities associated with office or chart management

o perform clinical procedures as Practice Act allows

o work with dentist to optimize patient’s oral health

Supplies Management and Laboratory & Sterilization

• 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

Records Management

• 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

Office Participation

• Help in other areas of the office as necessary, e.g.,

o Answering phones:
New patients (thank you and referral), After-care/post-op, Confirmations, Pending treatment and Recall

o Verifying insurance

o Unpacking supplies

• Marketing

o Community-based

o Asking for referrals

o 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.

Qualifications

•

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.