DENTAL HYGIENIST JOB DESCRIPTION
We are seeking a Dental Hygienist who will work in close collaboration with licensed dentists to identify when specialized services are needed, meticulously update and document patient medical and dental histories in electronic records, and uphold the highest standards of care. This role is vital for maintaining optimal oral health through comprehensive patient reviews, advanced digital radiography techniques, and strict adherence to patient care protocols. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in digital dental imaging and a commitment to excellence in dental health management.
An Overview of Dental Hygienist Job Description Responsibilities and Qualifications
1. Are you a Dental Hygienist driven by a passion for dental health and the desire to make a significant impact within the community? We are on the lookout for dedicated professionals like you, eager to provide unparalleled care and education to patients of all ages, backgrounds, and health conditions. Benefit from the luxury of regular working hours, freeing up your evenings and weekends for personal time. As a valued member of our team, you will work under the guidance of esteemed dentists in a clinical environment, adhering to established dental hygiene protocols to deliver comprehensive and quality dental services. Embark on a rewarding career journey with us, where each day offers the chance to contribute to a brighter, healthier future for the communities we serve.
Dental Hygienist Roles and Responsibilities:
- Provide high-quality dental hygiene within the scope of service consistent with accepted standards of care.
- Evaluate patients and implement treatment regimens under the supervision of the Dentist.
- Provide complete documentation of all findings, treatments and outcomes.
- Initiate oral health education and prevention activities.
- Review and interpret patient dental records.
- Review, update and document updates of dental care history prior to patient appointment.
- Check medical records for information as needed.
- Following all patient care standards, policies and procedures.
- Work cooperatively with other Dental Program staff.
- Help out where needed to ensure smooth, efficient running of Dental Program.
- Participate in the ongoing evaluation of Dental Program operations to assure the delivery of high-quality services that support the financial sustainability of the program.
Dental Hygienist Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Registered Dental Hygienist in State.
- CPR certification.
- Pursue appropriate CEU’s as required to maintain licensure and stay abreast of advances in the field of dentistry, especially in areas related to the scope of dental hygiene practice.
- Ability to analyze medical records and prescribed protocol to formulate effective therapeutic treatment plans.
- Knowledge of Federal, State and institutional regulations and guidelines for the provision of dental outpatient services.
- Ability to independently assess the nature and extent of dental disease and associated conditions and pathology in dental patients.
- Ability to perform a full range of established dental hygienist protocols and procedures.
- Ability to independently perform emergency dental procedures.
- Ability to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC and ADA standards.
2. Join our dedicated team as a Dental Hygienist and become a pivotal part of our thriving dental office. We are on the lookout for someone who embodies a blend of dynamic qualities: adaptability, independence, teachability, dependability, vibrancy, versatility, a strong team spirit, ethical integrity, punctuality, a commitment to continual improvement, and a high motivation level. Your role will encompass performing essential dental hygiene tasks, conducting oral assessments, evaluating caries risk, educating on preventive dental health, and providing care for oral health. You will also be responsible for accurately documenting procedures, managing patient charges according to our standards, scheduling appointments efficiently, and compiling detailed dental notes for each patient encounter to be reviewed by the examining dentist. Join us in our mission to elevate dental care to new heights.
Dental Hygienist Roles:
- Ensure that each patient is examined by a licensed dentist at each visit.
- Consult with a licensed dentist when referral for additional services is appropriate.
- Reviewing, updating and documenting patient medical history into electronic medical record.
- Review and annotate patient oral, medical, family and social history.
- Taking and processing digital dental radiographs that meet the minimum departmental standards for quality and readability.
- Understand proper positioning technique and other requirements when taking panoramic and/or cephalometric films.
- Check quality of image and reviews with provider before re-taking an image, to minimize exposure to radiation.
- Scan physical (non-digital) images into electronic dental records.
- Charting teeth and conditions in a patient's electronic dental record as directed by the licensed provider.
- Educate patients/parents/caregivers about procedures, post-care treatment and long-term oral care.
- Modify instructions and education to the appropriate age level as necessary.
- Preparing for patient care by ensuring a clean and safe environment for direct care and that treatment materials/tools and educational materials are set up.
- Handle sterile instruments and materials according to standard procedures.
- Follow department/ADA-approved procedures for disinfecting/cleaning operas between patient visits.
- Entering an initial dental treatment plan as directed by the licensed dentist who has performed the oral examination.
Dental Hygienist Qualifications and Requirements:
- An Associate's degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited dental hygiene program.
- Experience as a Dental Hygienist in pediatric dentistry.
- A working knowledge of electronic dental health records, tooth charting, and creation of visit documentation.
- A current MA license to practice as a Registered Dental Hygienist (R.D.H).
- Current CPR certification.
- The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and provide empathy in difficult interpersonal situations.
- Please note: During a public health emergency, individuals in this role may be expected to take on additional duties to respond to organizational needs.
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