Dental Hygienist

VISION, MISSION & VALUES:

Every employee of SIHF Healthcare is expected to uphold our vision, mission, and values. Our actions will reflect our values of Compassion, Diversity/Inclusivity, Excellence, Integrity, Respect and Stewardship creating a culture in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. This will result in our vision of an “Enriched health and life in a just society” through the fulfillment of our mission to build partnerships, develop safe and affordable housing, community engagement in building trust and solutions, foster economic development, provide access to comprehensive health care services, and reduce disparities.

CUSTOMER SERVICE COMPLIANCE STATEMENT:

Treat every person with dignity, respect and kindness by listening with your full attention, address questions/concerns immediately, and accept responsibility to follow through by always doing what you say you will do. You support our customers, and your team, by being patient, understanding and positive, knowing that you are SIHF Healthcare to those we serve.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Perform professional Dental care in the field of Dental Hygiene including all related clinical procedures, chair side assisting, inventory and records. Has broad responsibilities for clinical and community dental health education activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Oral prophylaxis; instruction for proper home care techniques for oral hygiene including proper tooth brushing, flossing, nutrition, and need for professional care.

1. Primarily responsible for the initiation and maintenance of the dental prevention and dental education programs.

1. Topical fluorides; screen and evaluate patients regarding caries detection, periodontal pathology, medical history; exposing, processing, and mounting of radiographs, supra and sub gingival scaling and curettage.

1. Root planning; performing of expanded duties where qualified, as delegated by collaborative Dentist, if working as a public health or expanded function hygienist as governed by Illinois law.

1. Responsible for preparation and setting up instruments, materials, and equipment necessary for each procedure.

1. Responsible for taking, reviewing and copying dental x-rays.

1. Responsible for the sterilization of instruments, and the cleaning and routine maintenance of equipment and work areas.

1. Schedule patients, handle routine reception work, accurately record information on patient records.

1. Help to identify related medical and/or social problems.

1. Maintain inventory of supplies and materials as well as maintain thorough and accurate documentation inventory.

1. Administration of local anesthetics.

1. Assists in the training of Dental Assistants.

1. Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

1. Working knowledge of all phases of the field of Dental Hygiene. Skill in the techniques of oral hygiene procedures and the use of equipment, instruments, and materials.

1. Knowledge and practice of preventative dentistry and ability to instruct patients individually and in groups.

1. Ability and willingness to learn.

1. Ability to establish and maintain effective communications with patients and coworkers.

1. Ability to communicate in English and Spanish desirable.

1. Desire to expand abilities.

1. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to motivate patients.
2. Ability to prepare and maintain charts, records, logs, and reports.

1. Ability to establish and maintain effective and positive working relationship with patients and staff.

1. Maintain CPR Certification.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from an accredited School of Dental Hygiene and possess a valid Illinois License.

Public Health Certification or willingness to obtain certification within two years of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Light physical activity performing non-strenuous daily activities of an administrative nature. Local travel by personal automobile is required along with a valid driver’s license and insured automobile, if necessary.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Normal work hours for this position are Monday through Friday dayshift. Attendance at off site meetings will be required with no overnight stay. Occasional out-of-town travel may be required.

COMPLIANCE STATEMENT:

Abide by the requirements of all applicable State and Federal laws.

MEDICAL HOME STATEMENT:

Be aware and understand expectations and responsibilities of the Patient Centered Medical Home. Understand role, complete relevant duties, and the requirement to maintain highest level of proficiency within scope, as part of this team-based approach in the patient care continuum.