Registered Dental Hygienist

Overview of JobThe Dental Hygienist position provides dental hygiene care that not only provides proficiency in the technical aspects of dental care but also provides a thoughtful approach to educating patients about the importance of a healthy smile. This position puts patients at ease while practicing and performing excellent hygiene techniques including assessing oral health conditions, applying sealants and fluorides, utilizing appropriate cleaning techniques, creating accurate impressions, taking and developing dental x-rays and providing exceptional patient education. The Dental Hygienist also actively strives to ensure patient’s schedule appropriate follow up appointment.
The ideal candidate will have the following attributes:

• Friendly
• Postive attitude
• Patient focused
• Team-oriented
• Driven
• Hard working
• Desire to learn and grow
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced environment
• 3+ years experience
• Familiarity with Open Dental is a plus

Primary Responsibilities and Tasks

• Records treatment information on the patient’s chart, including treatment rendered, the type of treatment planned and the amount of chair time, doctor time and assistant time needed for next appointment.
• Exposes, develops, and mounts full mouth X-rays.
• Records evaluation of periodontal conditions, occlusal relations and extent of prophylaxis on dental chart to ensure a complete diagnosis and proper treatment plan by the dentist.
• Provides customer service support to patients by escorting them to and from the treatment room.
• Administers Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen to patients as applicable.
• Takes impressions for diagnostic and opposing models.
• Applies non-aerosol and non-caustic topical agents and pit and fissure sealants.
• Removes excess cement from supragingival surfaces of teeth.
• Assists doctor during clinical exam and record findings and recommendations.
• Performs oral cancer exam on all patients.
• Scales, polishes, and applies fluoride to patient’s teeth.
• Prepares all treatment rooms including, but not limited to, set-up, decontamination, sterilizing and sharpening all instruments, cleaning hand pieces and room, restocking supplies.
• Places and removes post-extraction and periodontal dressings.
• Sizes stainless steel crowns, temporary crowns, and bands.
• Inspects patient’s oral cavity and charts lesions, existing restorations and missing teeth.
• Evaluates gingival health and health of all oral tissue.
• Executes root planing and Myofunctional evaluations.
• Educates patients on the importance of preventative care, the disease process and the role of bacteria; provides appropriate educational literature and instruction on home care.
• Polishes restorations and appliances (partials, dentures, etc.).
• Administers temporary cementation and removal of temporary crowns.
• Schedules patient’s next treatment appointment, or communicates with appropriate staff to ensure this is done before patient leaves the practice.
• Implements and monitors recall system; contacts patients who are overdue for a recall.
• Helps fill the patient schedule when there are openings to keep production levels high each day.
• Additional or different duties may be assigned occasionally at employer’s discretion.

Key Competencies and Characteristics

• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism when exposed to stressful situations.
• Skilled in the use of a Cavitron.
• Ability to perform scaling and root planning, take radiographs, and administer local anesthetic and Nitrous Oxide.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and changes.
• Knowledge of English composition, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Skilled in the use of standard office equipment including: telephones, calculators, copiers, fax, computers, and computer software (MS Excel, Word, Practice Management software).
• Ability to engender trust from the doctors, co-workers, and patients.
• Ability to work cooperatively with management, staff, and patients.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and complete tasks in a timely and independent manner.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions and accept constructive criticism.
• Ability to collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate and express thoughts and ideas competently.
• Ability to quickly grasp relevant concepts regarding duties and responsibilities.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.

Education and Training

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum one year related experience and /or training; or equivalent of combination of education and experience
• Valid X-ray certificate
• Current RDH license
• CPR & first aid certificate

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Reports to: Office Manager Physical Demands and Working EnvironmentThe conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with extensive employee contact and frequent interruptions. Physical Requirement: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in office setting to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach and twist; to lift, carry, push/pull moderate amounts of weight up to 40 lbs; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of computer keyboard; to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. See in normal visual range with or without correction. Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction to satisfactorily communicate with patients, doctor, and other staff members to ensure that verbal communication is clearly understood, particularly during emergency situations. May be required to physically assist drowsy patients after anesthesia or administer CPR. Occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and radiation. The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this role and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. We offer competitive pay and a full benefits package.
We follow all recommended PPE guidelines.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.