Job Summary
The dental hygienist’s job entails providing preventative oral care, removing plaque and tartar, educating patients on oral hygiene, and assessing and documenting oral health, all under the supervision of the dentist.
The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude, hard work ethic, and passion for working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Position requires working in a team environment, attention to detail, multi-tasking, and ability to communicate with patients and their caregivers.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Proper sterilization of instruments
X-rays (PAN, FMX, I/O, Digital patient pictures)
Completing periodontal evaluations
Adult and child prophylaxis
Scaling and root planning
Silver Diamine Fluoride treatment as indicated
Reviewing treatment plans, scheduling appointments
Dispense and recommend appropriate treatments and products
Follow up evaluations to check periodontal status, recommending periodontal referrals w/ staff DDS as needed
Care of patients with complex medical histories and intellectual and developmental disabilities
Seat and dismiss patients
Maintain patient comfort in the chair
Room-set up and breakdown
Give and explain OHI to patient effectively
Stock supplies when indicated
Maintain office cleanliness on daily basis
Effectively confirm patients and assist with front desk duties when needed
Recognize and indicate appropriate patient stories for fundraising events
Scan in patient documents and maintain accurate patient chart
Train hygiene students and monitor/help them throughout their clinic days
Other duties as assigned by supervisor
Participate in community outreach
Possess acceptable background checks, negative random drug/alcohol screenings
Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
Education: RDH license, active and in good standing; CPR; local anesthetic a plus, and nitrous oxide administering and monitoring
Experience: Minimum of three (3) years’ experience providing clinical support services in a dental office. Must possess a strong working knowledge of dental terminology and insurance codes
Physical Requirements: Successful completion of the required physical examination prior to employment given by a physician approved by Orange Grove Center
Must be able to perform all physical duties including bending, stooping, working at a desk, working at various computer kiosks, walking, and standing on concrete floors, assisting with lifting of patients, including lift equipment, and operating other medical equipment.
Qualifications
Detail oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills
Displays a pleasant and respectful manner when dealing with clients and staff
Exhibits patience, understanding and consideration for others
Must be sensitive to cultural, religious and ethnic diversity
Ability to work both independently and as a team
Prior knowledge of Dentrix Ascend is preferred, but not required
Intermediate knowledge of general computer functions (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and Outlook)
Strong ethics and a high level of personal and professional integrity
Ability to maintain patient confidentiality
Possess a neat and professional appearance