DESCRIPTION: Primary responsibility is to provide technical aspects of dental hygiene which involve prophylactic dental treatments and oral health education.

SUPERVISION: Directly supervised by the Chief Dental Officer.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires prolonged hours standing, bending, stooping and may be required to move up to 25 pounds.

FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide dental prophylaxis and fluoride treatments.
Screens and sets preliminary chart for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
Performs pit and fissure sealants, scaling and root planning.
Performs cavitron scaling as indicated by dentist.
Takes radiographs on patients as requested by dentist.
Records all treatment in charts.
Places dental patients on a recall system upon completion of prophylactic treatment and may be required to help in scheduling of patients.
Follows OSHA standards and guidelines for sterilization procedures.
Maintains handpieces and scalers according to manufacturer’s guidelines.
Sharpens and maintains all scalers.
Maintains and restocks the hygiene operatory in conjunction with casting inventory protocols.
Advises dental director of equipment and supply needs.
Provides, as directed by dental director, oral dental health education to patients, parents of pediatric patients, school age children or other community organizations at designated sites.
Must participate in Center’s Peer Review Process
May also be asked to supervise dental/dental hygienist students for teaching purposes according to qualifications of hygienist.
May be asked to help in training personnel for OSHA requirements and infection control according to qualifications of hygienist.
Must wear required personal protection when handling exposed instruments and equipment.
Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be a graduate from an accredited school of Dental Hygiene.
Must be currently licensed in the State of Texas.
Must meet State Board requirements to maintain license in good standing
Must be proficient in taking vital signs
Must maintain continuing education requirements including a current CPR certificate.
Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.
Must have a working knowledge of computer

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Must be able to use a variety of dental equipment.
Must be able to follow instructions.
Working knowledge of acceptable office procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively with patient population.
Must be familiar with principles of nutrition and dental health, various dental instruments and medications.

GATEWAY COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER INC

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Dental Hygienist