Dental Hygienist Full-Time

The primary purpose of the Hygiene position is to efficiently and effectively deliver care in a way that ensures patient satisfaction and patient’s oral health. The hygienist provides ongoing care through education, treatment, reinforcement of doctor’s treatment plans, and office philosophy. These duties are general guidelines and must comply with OSHA.
1. Review the appointment schedule and patient records for the day.
2. Prepare treatment rooms and tray set-ups.
3. Greet and seat patients ON TIME.
4. Review and update medical and dental health history forms.
5. Pre-appoint patient for next hygiene visit(s).
6. Check blood pressure and record readings regularly, as warranted.
7. Take radiographs. For now, we are non-digital so this will include processing and mounting. Front desk and dental assistant are also available to help if they are free.
8. Explain the importance of systemic fluoride.
9. Perform regular extra-oral exams:
a) cancer screening- intra and extra-oral.
b) LAD- lymphadenopathy (lymph node detection along sternocleidomastoid and posterior auricular)
c) TMJ
10. Utilize intra-oral camera tour of mouth. Place specific photos on screen ready for doctor’s exam. (Note: we are currently not equipped with an intra-oral camera but it is one that will be incorporated into office technology soon. Extra time should be allocated with hygienist visit to thoroughly tour the mouth with patient periodically, at regular intervals.)
11. Pre-frame possibility of treatment prior to doctor’s exam.
12. Support doctor during exam and assist patient to understand and value treatment recommendations.
13. Utilize effective verbal skills to influence and motivate patients to accept treatment diagnosed by doctor.
14. Conduct patient education about procedures, disease, prevention, and nutrition relating to oral health including but not limited to:
a) Oral hygiene
b) Nutrition
c) Perio Health
d) Perio Aids
e) Disclosing Methods
f) Systemic Health
g) Oral Cancer
h) Shade Guide Occlusion
i) Anti-anxiety pharmacology
15. Enter all treatment plans in the chart/computer prior to dismissal.
16. Record all existing treatment in chart/computer.
17. Enter and prioritize treatment plans in the chart/computer prior to dismissal.
18. Be knowledgeable and inform patient of all services offered in the practice.
19. Complete RAP to support the patient re: today’s appointment and what’s next-(Review, Acknowledge, Prefame next visit)
20. Support clinical team, when time permits.
21. Assist doctor with delivery of anesthetic.
22. Complete care calls each day for patients who had anesthetic or root planning.
23. Maintain current patient charts by posting all periodontal information, restorative needs, treatment performed and chief complaints.
24. Complete daily, weekly and monthly maintenance of equipment according to office maintenance schedule and guidelines.
a) Hand pieces should be oiled and cleaned
b) Rooms stocked
c) Instruments sharpened using guide (do not over sharpen and lose instrument shape. This reduces instrument lifespan and renders edges ineffective.)
25. Sterilize instruments and disinfect rooms to OSHA requirements.
26. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment per OSHA requirements.
27. Maintain adequate supplies in treatment rooms and any other supportive treatment areas.
28. Perform regular housekeeping (drawers, cabinets, treatment tubs, etc.). You will be responsible for the cleanliness of your operatory and you may ask for assistance from our evening cleaning staff, provided you give clear instructions.
29. Support administrative team with Chart Audits and Reactivation during non-patient time.
30. Be aware of the recare system and how it works and effectively activate it.
31. Actively market the practice internally and externally.
32. Increase knowledge and skills through self-study and attending courses and seminars.
33. Any other relevant duties as assigned.