DENTAL HYGIENIST

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  

Prepares treatment room for patient by adhering to prescribed procedures and protocols. 

Collect medical and dental histories from patients 

Chart dental conditions based on dentist’s observations and evaluations 

Instruct patients of all ages on proper dental hygiene and care 

Take x-rays of patients’ teeth and develop them for dentist’s use 

Provide chair-side assistance during dental procedures  

Maintains instrumentation for dental hygiene treatment by sharpening, sterilizing, and selecting instruments. 

Completes dental prophylaxis by cleaning deposits and stains from teeth and from beneath gum margins. 

Detects disease by completing oral cancer screening; feeling and visually examining gums; using probes to locate periodontal disease and to assess levels of recession; exposing and developing radiographic studies. 

Applies fluorides and other cavity- preventing agents 

Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drugs and oxygen supply, and directory of emergency numbers 

Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations 

Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols 

Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements 

Maintains dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:  

Must demonstrate excellent oral and written skills. 

Knowledge of Dental Technology, Dental Health Maintenance, Infection Control, Health Promotion and Maintenance 

Must be able to work independently 

Takes initiative 

Respects and understand HIPAA requirements with regards to patient confidentiality. 

Ability to communicate with and relate to people of different cultures, particularly those with poor socio-economic backgrounds 

Demonstrates competence for the essential job functions 

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:  

Associate’s degree from an accredited hygiene program 

State hygiene license 

Current CPR certification 

Ability to use an x-ray machine