Job Description
Job Description
A Dental Hygienist is a licensed oral health professional who provides preventive and therapeutic services to patients, working in collaboration with a dentist. The primary goal is to promote and maintain optimal oral health, prevent disease, and educate patients on proper oral hygiene practices.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Clinical Patient Care
- Prophylaxis and Periodontal Care : Perform professional dental cleanings, including removing plaque, calculus (tartar), and stains from teeth and beneath the gum line (scaling and root planing).
- Preventive Treatments : Apply preventative agents such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments.
- Local Anesthesia and Sedation : Administer local anesthesia and / or nitrous oxide, as allowed by state regulations.
- Radiography : Take and develop diagnostic dental X-rays (radiographs).
- Instrumentation : Maintain and sterilize dental instruments and equipment in accordance with infection control protocols.
2. Assessment and Screening
Oral Health Assessment : Conduct comprehensive patient assessments, including reviewing medical and dental histories.Screenings : Perform oral cancer screenings (examining the head, neck, and lymph nodes) and assess the patient's periodontal (gum) health.Charting : Accurately chart and document the patient's oral conditions, findings, and treatment provided.Reporting : Report all findings, concerns, and potential disease indicators to the supervising dentist for diagnosis and treatment planning.3. Patient Education and Counseling
Oral Hygiene Instruction : Educate patients of all ages on correct brushing, flossing, and interdental cleaning techniques tailored to their individual needs (e.g., braces, implants).Health Counseling : Provide counseling on the effects of diet, nutrition, and tobacco use on oral health.Disease Prevention : Motivate and instruct patients on self-care and practices for preventing dental decay and gum disease.4. Administrative and Team Collaboration
Record Management : Maintain meticulous and confidential patient records, adhering to privacy regulations (like HIPAA).Scheduling : Manage the hygiene schedule and patient recall system for future appointments.Teamwork : Collaborate effectively with the dentist, dental assistants, and administrative staff to ensure a smooth, efficient, and patient-centered experience.Professional Development : Maintain state licensure by completing required continuing education (CE) credits and staying current with evolving dental practices and technology.Required Qualifications
Education : An Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an accredited dental hygiene program.Licensure : Must hold a current, active Dental Hygienist license in GA or be willing to obtain a license in GACertifications : Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).Key Skills and Attributes
Dexterity : Excellent fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination for precision work in the oral cavity.Interpersonal / Communication : Strong verbal skills to explain complex procedures clearly, and the ability to establish rapport with patients, especially those with dental anxiety.Compassion and Empathy : A caring, patient-focused approach.Detail-Oriented : Thoroughness in clinical assessments, charting, and following safety protocols.Critical Thinking : Ability to assess patient conditions and develop appropriate hygiene care plans.