Dental Hygienist Job Opening

JOB SUMMARY:

Under general supervision of a Dentist in a clinical care setting, and assesses the patient’s risk of dental disease. Utilizes established dental hygiene protocols and procedures.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supports the overall mission of DentaQuest Care Group
• Assesses dental conditions and risk, uses patient screening procedures, to include medical history review, dental charting, and perio-charting; takes patient vital signs as required
• Delivers direct patient care to patients as assigned, using established dental hygienist procedures; performs routine treatment procedures, such as cleaning, polishing, x-rays, application of sealants, fluorides and varnishes, and related procedures
• Develops and implements individualized dental care plans for patients; performs patient education and risk protocols, discharge planning, and patient/family teaching under the supervision of a dentist
• Provides chair-side assistance to dentist in the performance of special tests, procedures, and complex treatments
• Makes impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts
• Documents dental history of chief compliant; records and reports pertinent observations and patient reactions to dental staff, as appropriate; documents lab procedures and ensures follow up on result
• Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment or patients
• Performs patient triage and initiates patient care as appropriate for walk-in patient
• Assists in preparation of patient care areas, and in the patient admission, transfer, and discharge process, as required; prepares reports and assists as required with patient reception, telephone calls, routine triage, and other office duties
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned
• Scans reception room for patients
• Assumes responsibility for the upkeep of the dental operatory and equipment
• Performs routine cleaning and maintenance of dental equipment in assigned operatories and for the assigned equipment; Regularly and thoroughly performs maintenance of assigned equipment
• Ensures use of downtime to include clean, stocked operatories; routinely clean and stock operatory
• Attends and participates in staff meetings
• Adheres to dress code

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Current licensure as a Dental Hygienist in state of practice.
• Current CPR certification.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus.
• Knowledge of Dentrix software a plus.
• Ability to analyze medical records and prescribed protocol to formulate effective therapeutic treatment plans.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, an institutional regulations and guidelines for the provision of dental outpatient services.
• Ability to independently assess the nature and extent of dental, both periodontal and caries risk assessments, and associated conditions and pathology in dental patients.
• Ability to perform, a full range of established dental hygienist protocol and procedures
• Knowledge of patient screening, charting, and medical history procedures and documentation.
• Knowledge and understanding of dental surgery and associated procedures, terminology, and techniques.
• Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulation and guidelines
• Ability to independently perform emergency dental procedures.
• Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical co-workers
• Knowledge of patient admission, triage, transfer and discharge procedures and documentation.
• Managing the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC, ADA, HIPPA standards.
• Responds constructively to pressure situations and time limits.
• Able to accept constructive criticism and instruction while maintaining a positive attitude towards managers, programs and job responsibilities.
• Initiates- work independently with minimum amount of supervision. Sick time is used at appropriate times.
• Acts as a role model – willing to accept or volunteer on projects as opportunity arises. Exhibits loyalty to Oral Health and Catalyst Institute, does not bring personal problems to work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Physical movements and the degree of mobility, manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination normally associated with the practice of oral hygiene.
• Prolonged sitting or standing may be required.

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform this position.

** In accordance with DentaQuest’s Compliance Plan, employee must conduct DQ business in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, professional standards and ethical standards and report potential compliance or ethical issues to manager or DQ’s Compliance Officer. **

DentaQuest’s Affirmative Action Program affirms our commitment to make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitation of otherwise-qualified individuals with disabilities or special disabled veterans, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Please see Human Resources for additional information regarding this Program.