Dental Hygienist

Location: Sulphur

Job purpose

Dental Hygienists conduct initial patient screenings, clean teeth (e.g. remove plaque) andadvise patients on oral health and preventative care. Dental Hygienists alsohelp dentists decide treatments for teeth or gum diseases and handle dental emergencies.

Duties and responsibilities

Conducting patient screening procedures, such as assessment of oral health conditions,review of the health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspection, dental charting, perio-charting, and taking blood pressure and pulse

Taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays)
Perform local anesthesia and administer nitrous oxide

Removing calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teeth

Applying preventive materials to the teeth (e.g., sealants and fluorides)
Teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health;(e.g., tooth brushing, flossing, and nutritional counseling)
Counseling patients about good nutrition and its impact on oral health

Making impressions of patient's teeth for study casts (models of teeth used by dentists to evaluate patient treatment needs)
Identifying conditions like gingivitis, caries, or periodontitis

Preparing operatories by sterilizing instruments and moving equipment into place

Calling patients to maintain the schedule

Monitor and order dental supplies as needed

Performing documentation and office management activities

Ability to run a double hygiene schedule with an assistant

Providing support to dentists and other staff as needed

Maintaining OSHA and HIPPA compliance

Other job duties as assigned

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or higher from a dental hygiene school accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA)
State-certified dental hygienist license

Expanded functions preferred if not covered by licenseo Local Anesthesia Working conditions

Dental practices run at a fast pace and dental hygienists will be required to keep up with the flowof doctors and patients.

Physical requirements

Dental Hygienists will be required to:

Use their hands and feet to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

Repeat the same movements.

Bend or twist their body.

Sit for long periods.

Stand for long periods.

Lifting up to 50 pounds

Reports to:

Area Director of Operations/Operations Manager & Operating Doctor Direct reports:
None.
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