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. Works directly under the supervision in clinics with the licensed Dentist. Functions effectively as a team member and identifies opportunities for improvement in performance, work processes and quality improvement. Works collaboratively with the Dental Assistant, and Patient Access Clerk in the daily operations. Reports to the Dental Program Coordinator regarding non-specific indirect care job responsibilities.
Will be required to work in the Bastrop and/or Marion Dental Offices.
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.
Perform initial screening intake functions of obtaining vital signs, health history information, oral health history, examine head, neck and oral tissue for disease.
- Take radiographs of patients according to protocol and within scope of practice for bi-annual and annual screenings.
- Remove plaque deposits from and polishing a patient’s teeth during a routine check.
- Scaling calculus performing deep cleanings as required.
- Using Cavitron as needed.
- Provide non-surgical periodontal therapy.
- Apply preventative agents (fluoride, antimicrobials, and sealants).
- Administer local anesthesia and/or nitrous oxide if appropriate.
- Maintain compliance with established infection control standards following the most current guidelines to reduce the risks of health-care-associated infections in patients, and illnesses and injuries in health care personnel.
- Record patient-dental hygienist transactions appropriately in the dental record according to facility protocol.
- Educate patients in the nature of oral health related conditions and in the general promotion of health and prevention of oral disease, including teaching on appropriate brushing and flossing techniques.
- Ensure the dental record accurately reflects the nature of the contact, condition of patient, care provided, treatment interventions, referrals, and recommendations and any other pertinent information for the dental record. Charting is clear and concise with information.
- Responsible for reporting any pertinent clinical information provided by the patient to the Dentist. Performs responsibilities with independence and requires minimal supervision once the performance skill has been evaluated by the Dentist.
- Perform other administrative task to support Dental Clinic operations.
- Respect the confidentiality of patient information, corporate information and supports the clinic mission, vision and values along with patient rights and responsibilities.
- Understand and adhere to the ADHA Code of Ethics.
- Attend mandatory departmental meetings and/or trainings. Participates in all appropriate meetings within the organization.
- Perform other duties as may be assigned.
- This position requires work beyond normal working hours.
Education:
- Graduation from School of Dental Hygienist
- Maintain current LA licensure
- Must have CPR certification.
Skills/Experience:
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Professional personal presentation
- Organized and planning
- Attention to detail
- Initiative
- Team Player
- Stress Tolerance Customer Service
- Basic Computer Skills
- Reliable
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.
EOE
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $1.00 - $2.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
License/Certification:
- Registered Dental Hygienist (Required)
Work Location: In person
