Dental Hygienist - Clinic - Okemah Job Okemah Oklahoma USA,Dental / Dentistry

Location: Okemah

Dental Hygienist

The purpose of this position is to perform advanced prophylactic and preventive dental procedures in the treatment of a variety of patients ranging from healthy individuals to those with severe medical and dental problems, such as diabetes, cardiac complications, severe caries and periodontal disease. Incumbent is under direct supervision of the Dental Supervisor.

Work is performed in a dental clinic setting located within an ambulatory health care clinic. Work involves exposure to communicable diseases, radiation and flying debris, nitrous oxide, fumes and dust from dental laboratory materials, and intense blue light emissions, therefore mask, lead aprons, protective eye wear and gloves are often needed. Incumbent must be aware of all risks involved and be willing to take precautions as requested and required.

Long periods of standing, reaching, sitting and bending are required to perform intraoral procedures.

Satisfactory job performance will be determined by successful execution of the following:

Completes preliminary dental examinations on new dental service patients. The hygienist reviews patient's medical and dental history for evidence of past and present conditions such as medical illnesses and use of drugs which may complicate or alter dental hygiene treatment; examines the teeth and surrounding tissues for evidence of plaque and periodontal disease and charts findings; inspects the mouth and throat for evidence of diseases such as oral cancer;

interprets routine X-rays to identify tooth structures, calculus, and abnormalities such as cavities and deep periodontal pockets. Refers abnormalities such as cavities, traumatic occlusion and suspicious lesions to the dentist. Prepares dental hygiene treatment plans for patient including assessment of the problem, type of oral hygiene care required and the sequence of appointments needed to complete treatment.

Performs a complete oral prophylaxis on ambulatory patients. Performs deep subgingival scaling, root planning, curettage and administers local anesthesia. Polishes the teeth and applies fluoride for hypersensitivity and caries prevention. Gives home care procedures to patients after curettage. Selects patients and applies sealants on individual patients.

In post-operative care of oral surgery and periodontal surgery patients, performs suture removal, changes dressings, applies topical anesthetics, and provides home care instructions. In oral cancer patients, takes impressions for construction of mouth guards, supplies fluoride using tray technique, and maintains recall system for careful follow-up of each patient. Educates patient on need for daily oral health and fluoride treatment.

Assists the dentist by making repairs and adjustments to the teeth by smoothing rough edges of restorations, removing overhanging margins of fillings, reducing sharp edges of fractured teeth, polishing and finishing amalgam restorations, and inserting temporary fillings in teeth.

Instructs patients at chairside in oral hygiene, brushing and flossing techniques and periodontal aids which increase the amount of stimulation to the periodontium. Plans and adapts instructions in home care techniques, tailoring them to the oral hygiene needs and oral problems of individual patients. Explains to patients the causes of periodontal disease and tooth decay and the importance of diet as it relates to oral and systemic health.

Instructs nurses, health educators, social workers, nursing assistants, community health representatives and other medical staff in the proper techniques of oral hygiene to be applied to young patients, the bedridden, handicapped, disabled and chronically ill patient. Presents lectures and demonstrations in oral health care to various patient and community groups such as diabetics, hemodialysis patients, drug or alcohol dependent patients and health boards, using slides, denture models, toothbrushes, charts and other dental education materials.

Coordinates the planning, implementation and evaluation of the community dental prevention program.

Takes, develops, and interprets intraoral and extraoral X-rays to determine areas of calculus deposits and periodontal involvement. Selects and arranges X-rays for special use in educating and motivating the patient.

Maintains patient's record of treatment. Records oral conditions of the teeth and surrounding tissues, progress and therapy notes, appointments, and the number of patients treated, and type of treatment administered.

Regular attendance is required.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.