Dental Hygienist

POSITION SUMMARY   

The Dental Hygienist is responsible for performing a variety of duties related to dental patient care under supervision of our dental provider (dentist). The Dental Hygienist provides support to facilitate the assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, and treatment of patients. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSBILITIES  

• Collaborates with the dental director to meet oral health needs for the patients.  

• Provides education to patients regarding good oral hygiene habits, proper dental care, including brushing and flossing. 

• Performs dental cleanings including scaling, polishing, and root planning. 

• Screens patients for medical conditions, oral pathology, and periodontal disease. 

• Provides and documents in the patient’s record patient screening procedures, such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of the health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspection, dental charting and taking blood pressure and pulse as needed. 

• Takes and develops x-rays. 

• Applies preventive materials to the teeth (e.g., sealants and fluorides) as needed. 

• Provides training for dental assistants as needed. 

• Complies with governmental safety, health rules and regulations. 

• Provide consultation to Director regarding planning, evaluation, and development dental services. 

• Polishes restorations, places temporary restorations and dental sealants. 

• Maintain accurate, timely and up-to-date patient files and records. 

• Maintains performance standards and assists in quality assurance. 

• Performs dental outreach activities. 

• Assists dental director in administrative duties as assigned. 

• Autoclave sterilization and maintenance of dental equipment. 

• Other duties, as assigned. 

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EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS  

• High School Diploma or GED required 

• Current South Carolina RDH license required  

• Basic Life Support/CPR training according to requirements of license and/or certification preferred  

• Understanding of health & safety regulations 

• Exceptional customer service and the ability to relate to patients of all ages 

• Bilingual (Spanish and English) strongly preferred but not required