Dental Hygienist - Columbus, NC Center Dentistry and Oral Health

Position: Dental Hygienist - Columbus, NC Center for Dentistry and Oral Health
Location: Columbus

JOB SUMMARY:

Provide care for patients within appropriate scope of legal practice in North Carolina, including prophylaxis, scaling, administration of medicaments and topical agent as trained and legal to do. Take impressions as appropriate. Educate patients in hygiene and oral health and wellness. Take radiographs. Work with MAHEC leadership to help educate, and support the education, of upcoming oral health professionals. Support clinical and education endeavors not only within the physical clinics but also in the community and within other healthcare settings.

Work is under the supervision of NC-licensed dentists.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Periodontal screening;

Periodontal probing;

Subgingival exploration for or removal of hard or soft deposits;

Sulcular irrigation;

Application of sulcular antimicrobial or antibiotic agents which are resorbable;

Application of sealants to teeth that do not require mechanical alteration prior to the application of such sealants, provided that a dentist has examined the patient and prescribed the procedure;

Application of acid etch materials/rinses;

Removal of periodontal dressings;

Removal of sutures;

Applies dentin desensitizing solutions;

Provides patient education on oral, dental, and preventive maintenance;

Complies with MAHEC’s Corporate Compliance, HIPAA, Confidentiality, Access to Dental and Billing Records, and Risk Management Programs.

Maintains records on dental status of patients and services rendered;

Cleans and sterilizes instruments;

Schedules follow-up and maintenance appointments;

Participates in educational events for learners, MAHEC, and the community

Serves as back-up for CCA team as needed.

Participates in patient care and education that occurs via the division but takes place externally, such as care in schools, nursing facilities, hospital work, and community healthcare events

For Public Health Hygienists: provision of appropriate parts of a care plan as planned by a licensed dentist, without a licensed dentist being physically present

For Public Health Hygienists: supervision of team providing care as prescribed by a licensed dentist, when in a setting where a licensed dentist is not physically present

Responsibilities may also include backing up or functioning as a dental assistant (under unusual circumstances).Examples of DA functions:

Taking of impressions for study models and opposing casts which will not be used for construction of dental appliances, but which may be used for the fabrication of adjustable orthodontic appliances;

Place and/or remove rubber dams Cement temporary restorations using temporary cement

Removal of excess cement

Placement or removal of temporary restorations

Performs extra-oral adjustments which affect function, fit, or occlusion of any temporary restoration or applianceKEY

COMPETENCIES:

Communication Skills Effectively and respectably communicate with other individuals, whether it be a colleague, patient, or patient’s family member and appropriately enumerate information in a manner easily understood by all parties. We do this to foster a culture of understanding between all parties, especially in complex and difficult situations, to ultimately provide the best care possible to our patients and their families.

Decision Making Ability to make the most appropriate decision in a given situation and then taking the next steps to ensure appropriate and timely completion. This requires conflict resolution skills, critical thinking skills, confidence in your ability to make the right decision in most situations. This also includes ability to prioritize your workday appropriately to ensure the most important tasks are completed on time.

Health Care Knowledge Having the drive to keep yourself abreast and up to date on the new…