Job Description

Job Title:                       Dental Hygienist

Reports To:                   Director of Dental Services

Job Summary:                     Provides a high standard of preventative dental services.

                                                                                                                                                                       

Qualifications and Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Other duties may be assigned as needed

 

Essential Job Duties:

  • Performs dental services that maintain patients' preventative oral health standards, such as perio program, gingival maintenance and fluoride varnish pediatric program.
  • Performs routine treatment procedures, such as cleaning, polishing, x-rays, application of sealants and fluorides, and related procedures.
  • Develops and implements individualized dental care plans in collaboration with dentist.
  • Provides patient education on procedures and ongoing dental care.
  • Documents and reports dental history or chief complaint, pertinent observations and patient reactions to dental staff, as appropriate.
  • Assists in patient admission, transfer, and discharge, and preparation of patient care areas.
  • Prepares reports and assists with patient reception, telephone calls, routine triage, and other office duties.
  • Sets up and prepares dental equipment and instrumentation.
  • Maintains an active recall system.
  • Schedules follow up appointments.
  • Participates in providing regular and meaningful peer review and feedback to other dental providers.
  • Provides dental hygienist services at any site within CCHCI’s network.

 

Required Education, Experience, Certificates & Licenses:

  • Graduate from an accredited Dental Hygiene Program with an Associates Degree of Science in Dental Hygiene.
  • Current Arizona license as a Registered Dental Hygienist
  • Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the necessary skills required may be considered.
  • Current CPR certification.
  • Local Anesthetic Certificate.
  • Driver's License and Proof of Insurance may be required if requesting mileage reimbursement.
  • Participates in continuing medical/dental education programs to maintain professional competence and skills.
  • Valid Fingerprint Clearance Card.

 

Preferred Education, Experience, Certificates & Licenses:

  • Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene preferred.
  • Clinical experience preferred.

 

Required Language Skills:

  • Ability to comprehend and compose effective instructions, correspondence and communications in English in both oral and written format.
  • Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to patients, internal providers and staff and other agency staff working in cooperation with the organization.
  • Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel.

 


Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to frequently exert enough force to move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to continuously remain in a stationary position.
  • Ability to constantly move about inside the workplace to assist patients, operate office or dental equipment, etc.
  • Possesses hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to constantly operate computer, telephone and other office machinery and dental equipment.
  • Possesses close visual acuity necessary to accurately record and view information on a computer monitor, handwritten and typed documents.
  • Ability to discern the nature of sounds at a normal spoken volume.
  • Possesses range of body motion and ability to exert enough force to lift and move adult and pediatric patients.

 

Other Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Ability to perform math that may include the use of ratio/proportion, dosage calculation, metric and household equivalents, roman numerals, abbreviations, and general math including percentages, etc.
  • Ability to draw and interpret graphs.
  • Ability to skillfully gather and analyze data.
  • Ability to perform a variety of assignments and make decisions requiring considerable independent judgment.
  • Ability to resolve challenges and work under pressure.
  • Displays high level of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Knowledge of HIPAA and Corporate Compliance rules and regulations.
  • Knowledge of Federal, State, and institutional regulations and guidelines for the provision of dental outpatient services.
  • Knowledge and understanding of dental surgery and associated procedures, terminology, and techniques.
  • Knowledge of Dental health plans and community health centers.
  • Computer literacy required.
  • Knowledge of Electronic Health/Dental Records and dental x-ray software preferred.
  • Ability to independently assess the nature and extent of dental, periodontal, and associated conditions and pathology in dental outpatients.
  • Ability to analyze medical records and prescribed protocol to formulate effective treatment plans.
  • Ability to prioritize and plan work activities, use time efficiently and develop realistic action plans.

 

Work Environment & Conditions:

  • Work environment is typical of a health clinic setting with occasional exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids and hazardous chemicals.
  • Work occasionally involves use of needles and other dental equipment with proximity to electrical current, exposure to moving mechanical parts, and some hazardous chemicals.
  • Work requires reliable transportation as position requires occasional travel and extended hours to include early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
  • Work requires ability to be contacted by cell phone during or outside of regular work hours.