Dental Hygienist I

Job Description

Job Description

Summary

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES : Dental Hygienists are responsible for providing preventative care and education for dental patients. Dental hygiene services shall be provided under the supervision of a licensed dentist.

Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

1.Prepare treatment room for patient by adhering to prescribed procedures and protocols.

2.Prepare patient for dental hygiene treatment by welcoming, soothing, seating, and draping patient.

3.Provide information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests.

4.Maintain instrumentation for dental hygiene treatment by sharpening, sterilizing, and selecting instruments.

5.Select materials and equipment for dental hygiene visit by evaluating patient's oral health.

6.Detect disease by completing oral cancer screening; feeling and visually examining gums; using probes to locate periodontal disease and to assess levels of recession; complete radiographic studies.

7.Record periodontal probe readings yearly.

8.Chart existing restorative and periodontal conditions.

9.Arrest dental decay by applying fluorides and other cavity- preventing agents.

10.Assist dentist in making a periodontal diagnosis and perform indicated periodontal services according to the clinical periodontal protocol.

11.Present patient with periodontal informed consent form as indicated by protocols.

12.Monitor patients’ periodontal progress through appropriate periodontal recall interval.

13.Help dentist manage dental and medical emergencies.

14.Educate patients by giving oral hygiene and plaque control instructions and postoperative instructions; providing reminders of time of next dental hygiene visit.

15.Document dental hygiene services by recording medical and dental histories; charting in patient records and completing clinical notes.

16.Maintain patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.

17.Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.

18.Protect patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.

19.Conserve dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.

20.Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.

Requirements

EDUCATION : Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene

EXPERIENCE : Previous clinical experience is preferred.

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS : Registered Dental Hygienist, licensed in the state of New Hampshire

SKILLS and APTITUDES :

1.Creating a safe, effective environment for patients.

2.Infection control

3.Health Promotion and Maintenance

4.Teamwork

PHYSICAL DEMANDS : The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Work requires excellent manual hygiene skills, mobility to complete errands or deliveries, or sitting, standing, bending or stooping for extended periods of time. The employee is regularly asked to perform repetitive tasks. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds. Occasionally may have to assist patients physically. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.Requires manual and finger dexterity such that hygiene tasks can be performed, hand-eye coordination is required.

MENTAL DEMANDS : Employee uses written and communication skills, reads and interprets data, analyzes and solves routine problems, observes and interprets people and conditions, performs highly detailed work, interacts frequently with others including people who may be anxious or upset. Requires the ability to plan and perform complex work that involves new or constantly changing problems where there can be multiple acceptable methods or procedures.Involves participation in the formulation and carrying out of policies, objectives and programs for major divisions or functions.Considerable ingenuity and exceptional judgment required to deal with factors not easily evaluated, interpret results and make decisions carrying a great deal of responsibility.

ENVIRONMENTAL / WORKING CONDITIONS : Work is performed in a clinical environment. Involves constant contact with patients. Work may be stressful at times. Interaction with others is constant and interruptive. Contact involves dealing with sick people. Contact involves possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens.