Dental Hygienst

SUMMARY

The Dental Hygienist is responsible for performing procedures such as removing deposits, plaque, and stains from teeth as well as examining gums for signs of disease, applying fluoride or sealant solutions to freshly cleaned teeth and possibly taking x-rays for the dentist. The hygienist will be responsible for teaching patients about proper dental health and oral hygiene, and may also be required to show patients how to brush and floss their teeth properly.

• Current dental hygienist license in Texas and an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene (where required)
• CPR Certification

• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional regulations and guidelines for the provision of dental outpatient services.
• Ability to independently assess the nature and extent of dental, periodontic, and associated conditions and pathology in dental outpatients.
• Knowledge of patient screening, charting, and medical history procedures and documentation.
• Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel.
• Ability to perform a full range of established dental hygienist protocol and procedures.
• Ability to analyze medical records and prescribed protocol to formulate effective therapeutic treatment plans.
• Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines.
• 2 years related work experience required.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred and not required.

• Develops and implements individualized dental care plans for patients; performs patient education, discharge planning, and patient/family teaching under the supervision of a qualified dentist.
• Assesses dental condition and needs of patient; uses patient screening procedures, including medical history review, dental charting, and perio charting; takes patient vital signs as required.
• Delivers direct patient care using established dental hygienist procedures; performs routine treatment procedures, such as cleaning, polishing, x-rays, application of sealants and fluorides, and related procedures.
• Documents dental history or chief complaint; records and reports pertinent observations and patient reactions to dental staff, as appropriate; documents lab procedures and ensures follow up on results.
• Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment of patients.
• Performs patient triage and initiates patient care as appropriate for walk‑in patients.
• Assists in preparation of patient care areas, and in the patient admission, transfer, and discharge process, as required; prepares reports and assists with patient reception, telephone calls, routine triage, and other office duties.
• Performs miscellaneous job‑related duties as assigned.