Dental Hygienist, RDH

Job Title: Dental Hygienist

Position Code: I01E Exempt

Department: Health Center Operations

Position Category: Dental Hygienist (L17)

Under the general direction of the Dental Director, the supervision of the Clinical Dental Supervisor, and the administrative direction of the Health Center Manager, the Dental Hygienist assesses patient needs and delivers direct dental care and associated services to patients using established dental hygiene protocols and procedures.

• Assesses dental condition and needs of patients; uses patient screening procedures, including medical history review, dental charting, perio charting, and vital signs as required.
• Delivers direct patient care, performing routine treatment procedures such as cleaning, polishing, x‑ray exposure/ development, patient education, sealant and fluoride application.
• Develops and implements individualized dental care plans; performs patient education, discharge planning, and patient/family teaching under the supervision of a qualified dentist.
• Provides chair‑side assistance to dentists during special tests, procedures, and complex treatments.
• Makes impressions of patients' teeth for study casts.
• Documents dental history and chief complaints; records observations and patient reactions; documents lab procedures and follows up on results.
• Assists with emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment.
• Performs patient triage and initiates appropriate care for walk‑in patients.
• Assists in preparation of patient care areas and in admission, transfer, and discharge processes; prepares reports and assists with reception, telephone calls, routine triage, and other office duties.
• Scrubs instruments and prepares them for autoclaving; sanitizes and disinfects operatory; sharpens instruments; restocks necessary materials, instruments, and supplies.
• Writes prescriptions for endorsement by the dentist and calls them into pharmacy.
• Participates in site and organizational quality assurance and improvement activities.
• Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene.
• Experience:
  
  Two years in a clinic or community health setting preferred.
• Bi‑lingual English/Spanish preferred.

• Current licensure as a Dental Hygienist in the State of New Mexico.
• NM Board Certified (Registered).
• Anesthesia License – Board Certified.
• CPR certification required within 6 months of hire.

• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional regulations for dental outpatient services.
• Skill in patient screening, charting, and medical history documentation.
• Ability to assess dental and periodontal conditions and formulate therapeutic treatment plans.
• Proficiency in full range of dental hygienist protocols and procedures.
• Effective communication of technical information to non‑technical personnel.
• Equipment setup and preparation in accordance with regulations.
• Understanding of dental surgery and associated procedures.
• Independently performing emergency dental procedures.
• Knowledge of patient admission, triage, transfer, and discharge procedures.
• Compliance with laws, regulations, and COOP standards.

Employee may need to stand for long periods, walk, use hands to finger and reach, and lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. Employee will perform duties in a clinic setting and may be exposed to blood and blood‑borne pathogens. Normal office safety precautions apply; occasional travel throughout the Albuquerque metropolitan area may be required.

Entry Level

Full‑time

Health Care Provider

Legal Practice