Job Summary

The dental hygienist’s job entails providing preventative oral care, removing plaque and tartar, educating patients on oral hygiene, and assessing and documenting oral health, all under the supervision of the dentist.

The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude, hard work ethic, and passion for working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Position requires working in a team environment, attention to detail, multi-tasking, and ability to communicate with patients and their caregivers. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Proper sterilization of instruments

• X-rays (PAN, FMX, I/O, Digital patient pictures) 

• Completing periodontal evaluations  

• Adult and child prophylaxis

• Scaling and root planning  

• Silver Diamine Fluoride treatment as indicated

• Reviewing treatment plans, scheduling appointments

• Dispense and recommend appropriate treatments and products   

• Follow up evaluations to check periodontal status, recommending periodontal referrals w/ staff DDS as needed 

• Care of patients with complex medical histories and intellectual and developmental disabilities 

• Seat and dismiss patients 

• Maintain patient comfort in the chair 

• Room-set up and breakdown 

• Give and explain OHI to patient effectively 

• Stock supplies when indicated 

• Maintain office cleanliness on daily basis 

• Effectively confirm patients and assist with front desk duties when needed 

• Recognize and indicate appropriate patient stories for fundraising events 

• Scan in patient documents and maintain accurate patient chart 

• Train hygiene students and monitor/help them throughout their clinic days 

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

• Participate in community outreach

• Possess acceptable background checks, negative random drug/alcohol screenings

• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

Education: RDH license, active and in good standing; CPR; local anesthetic a plus, and nitrous oxide administering and monitoring

Experience: Minimum of three (3) years’ experience providing clinical support services in a dental office. Must possess a strong working knowledge of dental terminology and insurance codes

Physical Requirements: Successful completion of the required physical examination prior to employment given by a physician approved by Orange Grove Center

Must be able to perform all physical duties including bending, stooping, working at a desk, working at various computer kiosks, walking, and standing on concrete floors, assisting with lifting of patients, including lift equipment, and operating other medical equipment.

Qualifications

• Detail oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills

• Displays a pleasant and respectful manner when dealing with clients and staff

• Exhibits patience, understanding and consideration for others

• Must be sensitive to cultural, religious and ethnic diversity

• Ability to work both independently and as a team

• Prior knowledge of Dentrix Ascend is preferred, but not required

• Intermediate knowledge of general computer functions (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and Outlook)

• Strong ethics and a high level of personal and professional integrity

• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality

• Possess a neat and professional appearance