Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who focus on preventing and treating oral diseases, both to protect teeth and gums and also to protect patients total health.

Essential Functions:

Greets and seats patients, making them as comfortable as possibleChecks every patients medical history for alerts, allergies and medicationsVerifies procedure to be performed with patient; investigates further if a toothache is the chief complaintPrepares proper procedural tray; associated instruments and materialsPrepares and maintains dental instruments (sterilize), rooms (sterilize), supplies and equipmentManages patients during dental procedures keeping them comfortablePerforms oral health care assessments that include reviewing patients health history, dental charting and oral cancer screeningTake dental x-rays and develop themRemoves plaque, stain and calculus deposits from above and below the gumline using dental instrumentsApplies cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and sealants to the teethTeaches patients proper oral hygiene techniques to maintain healthy teeth and gumsCounsels patients on plaque control and developing individualized at home oral hygiene programsCounsels patients on the importance of good nutrition for maintaining optimal oral healthFeels and visually examines gums for sores and signs of diseaseCharts conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by the dentistFeels lymph nodes under the patients chin to detect swelling or tenderness that could indicate presence of oral cancerExamines gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease and educates patient if applicableRemoves excess cement from the coronal surfaces of teethEnters complete and accurate chart notes documenting each patients visitPrints out and delivers accurate route slips to front desk for patient check-outOther duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Excellent communication skills; active listening as well as written and oral comprehension/communication skills; Gives full attention to what individuals are saying, understands the point being made, asks appropriate questions to gain better knowledge of situation(s) and repeats information to ensure understandingExcellent customer service skills; actively seeks ways to assist internal and external customers within the scope of assigned dutiesGood computer skills; Outlook, Windows, Microsoft Office applications; Dentrix exposure preferredGood time management skills; self evaluates the use of time and understands how others may be affectedCultural diversity awareness and skills; respects all people regardless of race, nationality or social standingAbility to work independently (self motivating) and as a team memberAbility to develop a collaborative therapeutic alliance with individuals and make accurate professional judgmentsAbility to build and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, providers, managers, patients and vendorsProblem sensitivity skills; empathetic/understandingDeductive reasoning and problem-solving skillsOrganized and detail orientedBilingual (Spanish/English) language skills helpful

Education, Experience and Licensure:

Must have a valid and current Dental Hygienist LicenseMust have a current CPR cardMinimum of 1-2 years experience as a Hygienist preferred