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Job Description
Summary:
Assists the dental team in delivering optimum age-specific prevention and curative periodontal and dental care for the Chugachmiut patient population. Performs hygiene services on infants, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients. Reporting to the Dentist, the Dental Hygienist will, under limited supervision, provide preventive dental care to include cleaning, polishing teeth, and instructing patients in good oral hygiene habits. The Dental Hygienist will also provide chair-side assistance as needed and instruct patients in aftercare for dental treatments rendered. Travel is required to the Chugachmiut communities to provide services.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Performs dental hygiene procedures, including cleaning teeth, removing plaque and tartar, and applying fluoride treatments. Completes preliminary oral examinations on patients which includes a review of the patient's medical and dental history, examines the teeth and surrounding tissues, and charts findings. Examines oral tissues, performs deep scaling, root planning, coronal polishing of teeth, and applies topical fluoride. Measures and marks periodontal pockets. Inspects the mouth and throat for evidence of disease, takes and reviews routine x-rays, and alerts the dentist of any possible abnormalities such as cavities, traumatic occlusions, and suspicious lesions. Maintains hygienist supplies and instruments and follows strict infection control protocols and maintains a clean and sterile treatment environment. Educates patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and provides personalized recommendations and treatment plans for dental care. Communicates effectively with other health care providers and patients, provides verbal and written instructions in a clear and concise manner and ensures that these instructions are understood by listening and asking for feedback. Listens to the patient's concerns and addresses concerns which can be addressed within the time scheduled and informs the patients of the course of action to follow for their dental concerns. Maintains accurate patient records and updates medical histories as needed. Utilizes dental software systems to input patient information and treatment plans. Works in coordination with the clinic staff to effectively educate patients on their course of treatment to increase the likelihood of compliance. Provides feedback on an ongoing basis to other staff members, adjusting communication style depending on the receiver of the message, to improve communication and be receptive to feedback from other staff on ways to improve. Ensures that all appropriate forms are completed fully, providing accurate and adequate notes for other providers to follow. This includes completing each portion of the form to ensure appropriate legal documentation, recording oral conditions of the teeth and surrounding tissues, progress and therapy notes, appointments, and type of treatment administered. Advises patients and family members in methods that facilitate a capacity for self-care and a movement towards a healthcare partnership between the healthcare providers, the patients, and their families. Provides helpful information to patients and their families regarding oral hygiene, health habits, and home care, to include maintenance of health and disease prevention, listens for clues that the patient needs additional assistance in understanding the treatment plan or in carrying out the treatment plan, instructs patients at chairside in oral hygiene, brushing and flossing techniques, and periodontal aids adapting them to individual needs, and explains the disease processes to patients and importance of diet in relation to oral diseases. Coordinates and conducts dental prevention activities including health fairs, sealant clinics and Head Start clinics. Conforms to safety policies and general housekeeping practices. Demonstrates sound work ethics, flexibility, and shows dedication to the position. Demonstrates a positive attitude, is respectful, and possesses cultural awareness and sensitivity toward clients and co-workers. Keeps customer service and the mission of the organization in mind when interacting with all clients, co-workers, and others. Expected to be prepared to start shift on time, meet attendance standards, and work the hours necessary to perform the essential functions of the job. Employees are expected to embrace, support, and promote the core values of respect, integrity, trust, compassion, and quality which align with Chugachmiut's Mission and Vision through their actions and interactions with all patients, staff, and others. Conforms to Chugachmiut policies, strict employee confidentiality, and HIPAA regulations. Performs other duties as assigned or required.
Work Environment:
Chugachmiut employees strive both for excellence in the services they provide and, through our Employee Values Statement, to serve with integrity. This requires working in an environment where transparency and effective communication are essential. Chugachmiut has tools and training to assist employees in sharing problems, focusing on resolving issues, and correcting defective processes.
Customer Service:
Greet both internal and external customers with eye contact and a smile. Solicit and respond to client feedback to ensure customer satisfaction. Regular and punctual attendance is expected without excessive absences. Present professional behavior and appearance while representing Chugachmiut. Practice and promote effective collaboration to accomplish the goals and objectives of the team. Support Chugachmiut's mission and value statements by creating solutions that add value to its operations.
Physical Environment:
The following demands are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. The position requires the ability to sit for long period of time, a normal range of hearing and eyesight, eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to operate office equipment such as computer keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator, and may be required to lift approximately 30 pounds. May be exposed to infectious diseases or hazardous equipment. May be exposed to extreme weather conditions. Travel to remote locations by boat, snowmobile, ATV or small plane is required, and employees must be willing and able to travel.
Hours of Work:
The hours of work are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with one hour for lunch. This is an itinerant position that is scheduled to work for weeks at a time as needed. Chugachmiut maintains a drug/alcohol and non-smoking work environment.
Qualifications:
Must have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program and hold a valid license to practice as a Dental Hygienist in the State of Alaska.
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
Knowledge of infection control procedures to maintain a safe working environment. Knowledge and understanding of the principles of dental and periodontal disease and appropriate treatment therapies. Knowledge of and use of dental terminology, dental instruments, tray setups, and instrument sharpening. Knowledge of oral hygiene instruction techniques to control progression of periodontal disease. Knowledge of 1974 Privacy Act is required as use of patient record is an integral part of the position and privacy of individuals must be protected to the fullest. Knowledge of the purpose, mission, and goals of Chugachmiut to ensure that the progress and completion of work assignments and tasks conform to the overall objectives of the organization. Ability to effectively communicate oral hygiene instructions and dispense proper oral hygiene aides. Ability to maintain accurate dental charts, including graphical charting, perio charting, and complete chart documentation. Ability to problem solve to effectively intercede with family and patients to resolve concerns related to the delivery of health care services. Ability to work easily and in a friendly manner with the general public and occasionally handle hostile or disgruntled patients. Ability to meet appropriate workload requirements. Ability to order and stock supplies. Ability to use the computer system to obtain patient information, order any necessary tests and check messages. Ability to maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards. Skill in applying clinical hygiene skills. Skill in dental prophylaxis and proper use of equipment. Skill to analyze situations accurately to determine and implement effective and appropriate courses of action. Skill to use and maintain dental equipment in the delivery of patient care. Skill in methods and techniques of preventive dental care in the treatment and control of dental disease. Skill in the application of dental materials in the provision of dental care. Skill to communicate effectively (oral and/or written) to exchange and/or provide information and build and maintain cooperative working relationships between staff and patients. Skill to effectively provide consultation and technical assistance to staff, quality health care to patients, and ensure compliance and consistency with laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, etc. Skill to direct the work of auxiliary personnel in providing dental care. Skill in managing a dental caseload to provide timely services to patients.
