Schedule:
3 Days a week - Monday, Wednesday, Thursday - Flexibility to work school system calendar. Scheduled hours are Monday-Friday 7:30 am-3:00 pm and as needed at Bastrop and Marion Dental Clinics.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Performs the specific job responsibilities as identified in the role as Dental Hygienist within the fixed facility program and mobile program. Performs clinical responsibilities in accordance with the rules and regulations of the LA State Board of Dentistry. Performs semi-technical dental and routine clerical work (charting) for the dental practice. This position requires compliance with CommuniHealth Services’ written standards, including the Compliance Plan and policies and procedures (including the Code of Conduct)
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Every effort has been made to make your job description as complete as possible. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude these from the position if the work is similar, related, or is a logical assignment to the position.
1. Performs initial patient screening including obtaining vital signs, health history, and oral health history. Assesses the head, neck, and oral tissue for signs of disease or abnormalities.
2. Obtains radiographs per Louisiana’s radiology regulations and facility protocols.
3. Performs prophylaxis procedures such as plaque removal, polishing and scaling, using hand instruments and ultrasonic devices (e.g., Cavitron)
4. Provides non-surgical periodontal therapy consistent with Louisiana Dental Practice Act under direct supervision of the dentist.
5. Applies preventative agents including fluoride, antimicrobials, and dental sealants per state regulations.
6. Administers local anesthesia and/or nitrous oxide if properly certified and under direct supervision of the dentist.
7. Maintains strict compliance with infection control standards following the Louisiana Department of health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to reduce the risks of health-care-associated infections and injuries.
8. Documents all patient-dental hygienist transactions appropriately in the dental record according to facility protocol.
9. Educates patients on oral health, disease prevention, proper brushing and flossing techniques, and overall wellness as it relates to oral care.
10. Ensures the dental record accurately reflects the visit: condition of the patient, services provided, treatment interventions, referrals, and recommendations, and any other pertinent information for the dental record.
11. Reviews the proposed treatment plan with patients, including explanation of procedures, estimated costs, insurance coverage, and visit scheduling.
12. Receives and relays pharmacy communications regarding patient medications and verifies prescription information under the direction of the dentist.
13. Ensures charting is clear and concise with information.
14. Functions effectively as a team member and identifies opportunities for improvement in performance, work processes, and quality improvement.
15. Works collaboratively with the Dentist, Dental Assistant, Dental Care Coordinator, Dental Financial Operations Team, and Patient Access Clerk in daily operations.
16. Responsible for reporting any pertinent clinical information provided by the patient to the Dentist.
17. Performs responsibilities with independence and requires minimal supervision once the performance skill has been evaluated by the Dentist.
18. Performs other administrative tasks to support Dental Clinic operations, as needed.
19. Understands and adheres to the ADHA Code of Ethics.
20. Completes all required continuing education credits to maintain an active Louisiana Dental Hygienist License.
21. Completes required CHS training per policy, maintains compliance with and knowledge of all CHS departmental, facility specific and system-wide policy and procedure, attends mandatory departmental meetings and/or training, and follows CHS Mission, Vision and Values in delivery of all services.
22. Maintains strictest confidentiality and adheres to all HIPAA guidelines/regulations as well as compliance with HRSA regulations.
23. Participates in all appropriate meetings within the organization.
24. This position may require work beyond normal working hours. Occasional overtime may be required and/or hours may be shortened as business needs dictate.
25. Performs other duties as assigned.
Education:
1. Graduation from an accredited Dental Hygiene School
2. Maintains an active Louisiana Dental Hygienist License
3. Maintains an active Local anesthesia and Nitrous Oxide Certification, if applicable.
Must have a Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification.
Skills/Experience:
1. Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language in an understandable manner.
2. One (1) year of medical clinic experience, preferred.
3. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, employees, and the public.
4. Ability to perform well-organized and detail-oriented work while maintaining privacy in all aspects of the job.
5. Must have patience, tact, enthusiasm, and a cheerful disposition, as well as be willing to handle persons based on whatever maturity level they are currently functioning.
6. Must be able to adapt easily to changes in work assignment and environment, willing to assume additional responsibilities and learn new procedures.
Environmental/Working Conditions:
- Works in well-lighted/ventilated office area of the facility.
- Is subject to frequent interruptions.
- Is involved with personnel, patients, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions/circumstances.
- Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset personnel, patients, visitors, etc.
- Is willing to work beyond normal working hours: weekends, holidays, and other shifts/positions as necessary.
- Attends and participates in continuing educational programs designed to keep you abreast of changes in your profession.
- Is subject to cuts, bruises, falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the work day.
- Occasional overtime maybe required and/or hours maybe shortened as business needs dictate.
Physical Demands:
- Must be able to move intermittently throughout the work day.
- Must be able to speak the English language in an understandable manner.
- Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
- Must be able to function independently, have personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with patients, personnel, and support agencies.
- Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people within the facility.
- Requires sitting and standing associated with normal office environment.
- Maybe required to lift or carry up to 20 pounds.
- Manual dexterity needed for using a calculator and computer keyboard.
- This description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements.
- Responsibilities, skills and working conditions may change as needs evolve.
CommuniHealth Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Internal Information:
Grade 10
Job Type: Part-time
Ability to Commute:
- Bastrop, LA 71220 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Bastrop, LA 71220: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person