Registered Dental Hygienist

Title: Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)

Department: Dental

Status: Hourly

Location: Assigned Locations

Reports To: Dental Director/Clinical Supervisor

Direct Reports: None

An RDH must be able to perform all the minimum qualifications of the RDH job descriptions. The role of the RDH is a nonexempt position responsible for performing a variety of duties related to dental patient care directed by dental provider(s). Must be able to assist in the prevention and treatment of oral disease, focusing on periodontal health by monitoring oral hygiene practices and assisting the patient to develop a home care plan to maintain their oral health.

As well as performing scaling and polishing, hygienists can give specific advice on prevention, nutrition, use of fluoride and smoking cessation.

Graduated from an ADA-accredited dental hygiene program

Minimum one year’s experience, preferably in public health setting.

Verification of a current license from the NC Dental Board.

• Ability to read, write and understand the English language.
• Communicate effectively and interact in a friendly, professional manner with patients, operations staff, physicians and other departments.
• Knowledge of dental office protocols/procedures.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with physicians and peers.
• Ability to learn and retain information regarding patient care procedures.
• Familiarity with basic computer operations, EDR software.
• Ability to work successfully with minimum supervision.
• Capable of working seated for several hours to provide clinical services; frequent movement within the office handling patient flow.
• Maintain a neat and well-groomed appearance.

• Carefully review patient medical and dental history forms and update as necessary.
• Accurately chart each patient’s periodontal health.
• Provide thorough and gentle prophylaxis to patients.
• Perform scaling, root planning, and selective polishing for designated patterns.
• Provide radiographs for patients as prescribed by dentist.
• Communicate with patients in an understandable and professional way.
• Take accurate notes on the provided treatment.
• Provide patient education sessions and materials to patients.
• Perform other tasks assigned by the dentist (making hygiene calls).
• Work with receptionist to schedule hygiene patients with efficiency.
• Maintain all continuing education and licensing requirements annually.