Registered Dental Hygienist

Overview

POSITION: Registered Dental Hygienist
DEPARTMENT: Dental
REPORTS TO: Chief Dental Officer
LOCATION: Native American Health Center, Inc. (NAHC) — 3050 International Blvd. Oakland, CA 94601; 160 Capp Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
WORK HOURS: Full Time, 40 hours per week, 100% FTE
STATUS: Exempt, Non-Union

Position Summary

The Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) holds a vital role within the NAHC Dental department. Operating under direct supervision of a licensed dentist, the RDH delivers comprehensive oral hygiene care, adheres to established anesthetizing protocols, and removes hard deposits from teeth as part of preventative and therapeutic services. The RDH prioritizes member comfort during procedures and educates members on effective oral hygiene techniques to promote good oral health.

All work is performed in a clean and safe environment under the guidance of a dentist and in accordance with California licensure requirements. The RDH maintains a professional demeanor, objectivity, and superior customer service standards.

The RDH will perform duties with excellence and integrity as sanctioned by the California Dental Board and in compliance with the Dental Practice Act of California. NAHC is an accredited institution that adheres to the standards of AAACH and CODA.

• CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
  Provide exemplary customer service by welcoming all members in a polite, professional and prompt manner.
• Demonstrate chair-side manners by maintaining a calm, patient demeanor and interacting effectively with diverse populations (e.g., children, elderly, and individuals with mental and physical disabilities).
• Perform pre-chart review practices by reviewing chart notes for planned treatment to set up procedures and operatories appropriately.
• See between 8-10 members per day and complete accurate documentation within 72 hours of visit into the Electronic Dental Record (EDR).
• Conduct comprehensive dental cleanings by removing plaque, calculus and stains using hand and ultrasonic scalers during prophylaxis, root planning and curettage as applicable.
• Apply topical anesthetics and administer local anesthetics to members prior to invasive procedures to ensure comfort.
• Apply topical fluorides and desensitizing agents.
• Apply pit and fissure sealants as preventative treatment.
• Conduct oral health assessments including complete charting of intraoral conditions into the EDR.
• Evaluate periodontal disease using diagnostic skills, periodontal probe, and chart conditions in the periodontal evaluation templates in the EDR.
• Collaborate with dentists in determining a dental care plan for each member.
• Perform operatory disinfection, instrument sterilization and equipment maintenance per departmental policy.
• Educate members and parents/caregivers on proper teeth and gum care and the impact of diet on oral health. Demonstrate proper brushing, flossing, and home care techniques.
• Assist other dental providers as necessary (e.g., seeing members, administering anesthesia).
• Assist clinical staff in optimizing clinic flow; keep work areas organized, stocked and clean; support member flow by seating members and supporting other dental team members with care.
• Operate digital dental radiographic equipment to capture diagnostic quality radiographs for interpretation by a dental provider.
• Perform expanded duties under the direct supervision of a dentist to the extent permitted by law.
• Demonstrate cooperative behavior with supervisors, colleagues, members and the community at all times.
• Other duties as assigned by the Dental management team or assigned dentist.
• Member Care:
  Apply safety policies and ensure safe member practices.
• Employee Safety:
  Follow protective protocols to ensure personal safety and the safety of others.
• Maintain compliance with ergonomic safety standards; practice good posture and ergonomic stretches.
• Quality Improvement:
  Participate in internal quality improvement initiatives in alignment with the organization’s mission, goals, laws and accreditation standards as assigned.
• Work well under pressure and meet multiple deadlines.