Dental Hygienist
This job profile is not included in a recognized pathway.
Description
This position is responsible for supporting delivery of quality dental care such as debridement, hand scaling and regular cleanings to patients. Provides patients with education and information to assist with developing and maintaining good oral health.
Tasks
- Greeting patients in a friendly and courteous manner
- Delivers direct patient care to patients as assigned, using established dental hygiene procedures.
- Prepares patient for dental hygiene treatment by welcoming, soothing, seating and draping patient.
- Ensures patient’s medical history is accurate and up to date each appointment and obtains vital readings.
- Selects materials and equipment for dental hygiene visit by evaluating patient’s oral health.
- Anesthetize as needed for each procedure.
- Performs routine treatment procedures, such as prophylaxis, SRP, perio maintenance, cleaning, polishing, x-rays, application of sealants and fluorides and other related procedures.
- Performs periodontal charting and periodontal therapy when indicated.
- Performs extraoral and intraoral examinations of patients.
- Assesses dental condition and needs of patient by analyzing medical records and works with dentist to formulate effective therapeutic treatment plans.
- Records and reports pertinent observations and patient reactions to dentist and dental staff, as appropriate.
- Educates patients on oral healthcare.
- Sets up and prepares dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines.
- Performs patient education, discharge planning and patient/family teaching under the supervision of a qualified dentist.
- Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
- Maintains patients’ dental records.
- Maintains current credentialing.
- Completes paperwork in a timely manner.
- Completes appropriate and timely charting.
- Participates in quality assurance activities.
- Attends required meetings.
- Completes all required trainings in a timely manner.
- Attends required meetings.
Qualifications / Education
- Successful completion New York State and/or Pennsylvania dental hygiene program from an accredited institution
- Current, unrestricted, New York and/or Pennsylvania State licensures.
- Successful completion of training in the identification and reporting of child abuse under NYS Education Law and Pennsylvania Reporting Child Abuse requirements.
- Previous experience in a dental practice preferred
