Dental Hygienist

Description Summary:

Performs those duties which assist the dental director, dentists, and hygienists in the care and treatment of patients. Performs duties in the field of reception, chairside assisting, inventory and records.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Achieve Results

1. Ensure the safe, productive, and efficient operation of the dental clinic through timely and attentive administrative and clinical support, as authorized and licensed Dental Provider.

2. Ensure all patients enjoy a positive experience, treated with the care and compassion expected.

3. Ensure all patient records and related documents are managed and maintained timely, accurately, and consistent with all HIPAA and related regulations and requirements.

4. Assists in the oral health management of all clinic patients.

5. Obtains baseline oral hygiene assessment data based upon accepted principles of oral hygiene and periodontal care.

6. Records patient-hygienist transactions as they occur in the patient’s dental record so that the dental record accurately and completely reflects the nature of the contact, the condition of the patient and the care or treatment provided.

7. Provides oral health education and appropriate individual counseling for all FHC’s dental patients.

8. Provides clinical oral hygiene services including dental prophylaxis, scaling, sealant application and fluoride application consistent with accepted professional practices and standards and in compliance with applicable state law and the FHC’s clinical protocols.

9. Integration of appropriate patient dental hygiene care with other health care professionals involved in the patient’s health care management.

10. Organizes and performs preventive oral health presentations at on-site and off-site locations.

11. Assists in the provision of technical assistance and health education in the community requested.

12. Participate in the QI/QA program of FHC.

13. Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by the CDO, staff dentists in accordance with state regulations and law as well as FHC’s Dental Department protocol and directive.

14. Assists in the maintenance of all Dental Department areas in compliance with Dental Department directive and policies as well as the FHC policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues.

15. Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business and patient care of FHC’s dental department, when necessary.

16. Ensures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with the FHC Dental Department directive and FHC policy as well as state federal regulations

17. Travels when necessary to the different FHC sites and other off-site locations to meet operational needs.

18. As directed by CDO, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.

19. Responsible for personal compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and FHC, Inc. rules, regulations, protocols and procedures governing the practice of dental hygiene and the clinical provision of dental hygiene services.

20. Helps to identify related medical and/or social problems.

21. Maintains inventory of supplies and materials as well as maintaining thorough and accurate documentation of inventory.

Operational Excellence

22. Ensure all tasks provided and associated with patient care, patient administrative processes, and related duties complies with all regulatory and accreditation standards, as well as clinic policies and procedures.

Relationships

23. Develop favorable relationships with all patients.

24. Instruct patients and their family members training and /or information related to in-home care as appropriate.

25. Develop and ensure ongoing, positive relationships and collaboration with dentists, registered dental hygienists, residents, administrative and clinic operations staff.

26. Ensure the success of each clinic operation through collaborative support and working relationships with all clinic operations staff.

Stewardship and Professionalism

27. Uphold and consistently represent the values and mission of the organization at all times.

28. Represent the organization in a highly professional manner at all times.

29. Ensure compliance and attention to all corporate policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/ KEY COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrate a high level of skill at building relationships and customer service.

• Demonstrate interpersonal savvy and influence skills in managing difficult clients and patients.

• Ability to work with a diverse, sometimes difficult and demanding patient population.

• Read, write, and maintain patient records and related administrative documentation.

• Knowledge and ability to use requisite tools, systems, technology and equipment in the collection of patient data.

• Utilize computers in the collection, management, and reporting of patient records.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Non-essential Functions: Supports to organization as needed.

Position requirements / Job qualifications:

Education

• Associates Degree from an accredited (CODA agency) dental hygienist program or equivalent degree; Bachelors preferred.

• Required that Dental hygienists be registered for a DENTPIN from the American Dental Association (ADA)

• Valid CPR/BLS certificate.

Experience

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective communication with patients and coworkers.

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships with patients and staff.

• Demonstrated ability to follow oral and written instructions.

• Demonstrated ability to prepare and maintain chart, records, logs, and reports.

• Demonstrated success with clear thinking and ability to reorganize as needed.

• Demonstrated success in working independently, prioritization and problem solving.

• Demonstrated success in organization abilities.

• Demonstrated success in computer skills including ability to use computer for scheduling and reasonable keyboard skills.

• Demonstrated success and experience with direct patient services and the proper knowledge and use of dental devices and sterilization equipment.

Physical/mental demands: The physical/mental demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, sit, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, balance on two feet, stoop, kneel, crouch, or reach with hands and arms.

• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

• Mental demands include the ability to learn, adapt to changes, and become proficient quickly, pay close attention to details, courteous and professional demeanor, ability to deal with stress of meeting deadlines and adhere to company policies and procedures.)

OSHA BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN CLASSIFICATION:

☒Category I: Job classification includes ALL employees who have occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens (blood or body fluids) while performing their job duties.

☐Category II: Job classification includes employees who are likely to have SOME occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens because Category I tasks may occasionally be required.

☐Category III: Job Classification includes those employees who perform jobs and tasks where NO CONTACT with blood borne pathogens occurs and Category I and Category II tasks ARE NOT a condition of employment.