Dental Hygienist

At CrescentCare, we bring caregivers and the community together as partners in health and wellness for all. Our experience builds on more than 40 years of impact through our founding organization, NO/AIDS Task Force. In 2014, we became a Federally Qualified Health Center to offer an expanded range of health and wellness services for anyone and everyone who is seeking healthcare services in Greater New Orleans and Southeastern Louisiana. 

Our Mission 

Strengthening our entire community through whole-person healthcare and education. 

Position Summary 

The registered dental hygienist is responsible for providing hygiene treatment to patients including but not limited to; patient screening procedures, education, counseling on nutrition, tobacco and its dental impacts, removing calculus and plaque from the teeth, and other periodontal procedures that are within the scope of license. The dental hygienist will demonstrate outstanding time management, communication, and technical skills. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities  

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

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

• 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.  

• Provides oral health education and appropriate individual counseling for all center dental patients.  

• 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 center’s clinical protocols.  

• Assists in the provision of technical assistance and health education in the community and within the center as requested.  

• Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by a dentist in accordance with state regulations and law as well as Dental Department protocol and directive.  

• Assists in the maintenance of all Dental Department areas in compliance with Dental Department directive and policies as well as center policies and procedures relative to infection control. Exposure control and safety issues. 

• Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business and patient care of the Dental Department.  

• Assists with various clinical and administrative functions of the center as appropriate and time permits.  

• Insures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with Dental Department directive and center policy as well as state and federal regulations.  

• Complies in full of the center’s Exposure Control Plan.  

• Travels, when necessary, to meet operational needs.  

• As directed by a supervisor, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.  

• Responsible for personal compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and center rules, regulations, protocols and procedures governing the practice of dental hygiene and the clinical provision of dental hygiene services as well as those relating to, but not limited to, personnel issues, workplace safety, public health and confidentiality. 

• Work with dentists and other healthcare professionals to meet the oral health needs of the patients. 

• Perform oral cancer screenings, review medical histories, take blood pressure readings, and chart the teeth, 

• Remove deposits from the teeth. 

• Educate patients about proper oral hygiene. 

• Take X-rays of the teeth 

• Administer local anesthesia 

• Administer nitrous oxide/oxygen. 

• Apply fluoride and sealants to the teeth 

• Counsel patients on proper nutrition, tobacco cessation, dental treatment options. 

• Establish and maintain effective professional relationships with fellow healthcare providers. 

Qualifications 

• Graduate of an accredited school of dental hygiene 

• Registered Dental Hygienist licensure in state of practice 

• Welcome New Grad hygienist 1-2 years of experience working in a dental practice 

• Excellent interpersonal skills 

• Proven dedication to provide high quality, comprehensive dental care 

• Ability to comply with safety procedures, rules, and regulations to maintain a clean and safe working environment 

• Strong working knowledge of dental terminology, equipment, and practices 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Related Field 

• Dental Assistant Certification from an accredited school of dental hygiene 

• Unrestricted license to practice Oral Hygiene in the state of Louisiana 

• Current CPR (BLS) certification 

• Nitrous License 

• Local Anesthesia License 

• Necessary technical skills to use Agency’s electronic health record, incident reporting system, email, and other information systems. 

Total Compensation Package 

We believe the investment we make in our employees is among the most important. Our compensation package includes: 

• Comprehensive medical and prescription drug coverage options 

• Health Savings Account (HSA) 

• Employer-paid Dental 

• Employer-paid life insurance & AD&D 

• Employer-paid Wellness Program 

• Employer-paid Employee Assistance Program 

• Employer-sponsored vision insurance 

• Employer-sponsored short-term disability insurance 

• Vacation time (accrue 10 days in first 12 months)  

• Sick time (accrue 8 days in first 12 months) 

• Eleven (11) paid holidays 

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match beginning in employee’s second year