Dental Hygienist

Overview of the Position

Under the supervision of a Dentist in a clinical setting and using established dental hygiene protocols and procedures, the Dental Hygienist provides professional, high-quality dental care and education to a broad range of patients.

Education and Experience

Registered dental hygienist (RDH) from an accredited program with a current license to practice in the state of South Carolina. Current CPR certification.

Pursues appropriate CEUs as required to maintain licensure and stay abreast of advances in the field of dentistry, especially in areas related to the scope of dental hygiene practice. Places a high value on personal and departmental performance excellence. Works independently with a minimum amount of supervision. Licensed to administer local anesthetic infiltration.

Required Skills / Abilities

• Knowledge of Federal, State and institutional regulations and guidelines for the provision of dental outpatient services.
• Ability to analyze medical records and prescribed protocol to formulate effective therapeutic treatment plans.
• Ability to independently assess the nature and extent of dental disease and associated conditions and pathology in dental patients.
• Ability to perform a full range of established dental hygienist protocols and procedures.
• Knowledge of patient screening, charting and medical history procedures and documentation.
• Knowledge and understanding of dental surgery and associated procedures, terminology and techniques.
• Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines.
• Ability to independently perform emergency dental procedures.
• Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical co-workers.
• Knowledge of patient admission, triage, transfer and discharge procedures and documentation.
• Ability to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC and ADA standards.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Exempt

Essential Job Functions

• Provides high-quality dental hygiene care within the scope of service consistent with accepted standards of care;
• Evaluates patients and implements treatment regimens under the supervision of the Dentist.
• Provides complete documentation of all findings, treatments and outcomes. Documents dental history of chief complaint; records and reports pertinent observations and patient reactions to dental staff, as appropriate; documents lab procedures and ensure follow-up on result
• Reviews and interprets patient dental records; Initiates oral health education and prevention activities.
• Helps out where needed to ensure smooth, efficient running of Dental Program.
• Assesses dental conditions and risk, uses patient screening procedures, including medical history review, dental charting and perio-charting; takes patient vital signs as required;
• Delivers direct patient care to patients as assigned, using established dental hygienist procedures, such as cleaning, polishing, x-rays, application of sealants, fluorides and varnishes and related procedures;
• Develops and implements individualized dental care plans for patients; performs patient education and risk protocols, discharge planning, and patient/family teaching under the supervision of a dentist;
• Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse development during treatment of patients;
• Assumes responsibility for the upkeep of the dental operatory and equipment by performing routine cleaning and maintenance of dental equipment in assigned operatories and for the assigned equipment.
• Attends and participates in staff meeting to review team progress in meeting financial and productivity goals for the dental program; Participates in Quality Improvement activities as requested by the Dentist/Clinical Dental.
• Other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements

Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, unpleasant odors and/or loud noises. Moderate physical activity. Must be able to lift 30 pounds, assisting with patients and standing and/or walking for most of the day.

Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens and will require OSHA training. Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.

Vision and hearing corrected to within normal limits is required. Must have manual dexterity to key in data; utilize computer, grab, grip, hold, tear, cut, sort, and reach.