POSITION SUMMARY

The dental hygienist (DH) primarily provides dental preventive services to patients. These include but are not limited to screening, scaling and root planning, dental prophylaxis, fluoride and sealant applications, and health education. The dental hygienist is a crucial team member to any dental public health program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Examines patient oral cavity including the mouth, throat and pharynx, and records conditions of teeth and surrounding tissues. 2. Refers patients to the dentist who have abnormalities such as tooth decay, defective fillings, periodontal disease, or any condition that is suspect for oral diseases. 3. Under the assignment of a dentist the DH performs complete oral prophylaxis, applies fluoride as needed, cleans and polishes removable dental appliances worn by patients. 4. Performs supra and or sub gingival scaling using hand instrument or the Parkell ultrasonic scaler, performs root planning procedures as needed with hand instruments. 5. Polishes teeth using appropriate brushes or rubber cups and prophylactic paste. 6. Exposes, develops and mounts oral x-rays, interprets x-rays to determine area of calculus, periodontal disease involvement and gross dental abnormalities. 7. Seats and drapes patients as necessary. 8. Checks and maintains instruments to ensure adequate working conditions, cleans, sharpens and sterilizes instruments as necessary. 9. Instructs patients or groups in proper oral hygiene care, health promotion and nutrition using appropriate materials, models, equipment, and displays. 10. Demonstrates proper techniques of brushing, flossing and use of necessary perio aids and explains common causes of tooth decay and its relationship to the general diet. 11. Instructs other medical professionals and assistants in oral health care techniques for bed ridden, handicapped, disabled or chronically ill patients. 12. Assists in community prevention programs. 13. Electronically send referrals and radiographs to dental specialists, as directed by Dentists. 14. Completes follow up appointment form completely and/or schedules patients for follow up visits. 15. Other duties may be assigned within the scope and complexity of this position's essential functions. 16. Must attend any and all mandatory trainings offered through the Bay Mills Human Resources Department and Bay Mills Health Center.