DENTAL HYGIENIST - ORAL HEALTH

JOB TITLE : DENTAL HYGIENIST

LOCATION: COTTAGE GROVE

DEPARTMENT: ORAL HEALTH

Job Summary

Provide direct dental hygiene services to the clinic's patients in accordance with the general policies and standards of performance established by the clinic under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Responsible for the direct provision of oral hygiene and appropriate services to dental patients of the clinic. Responsible for providing the appropriate oral health information to individuals and groups.

Typical Duties

* 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 within a 24 hour period.

* Responsible for the delivery of preventive care, treatment, and referrals.

* 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.

* Maintain high standard of dental hygiene practice and participate in the training and development of the dental team.

* Integration of appropriate patient dental hygiene care with other health care professionals involved in the patient's health care management.

* Assists in the development, implementation and monitoring of dental clinic policies, protocol and procedures as needed to achieve goals and objectives.

* 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.

* Ensures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with Dental Department directive and center policy as well as state federal regulations(s).

* Organizes and performs preventive oral health presentations at on-site and off-site locations.

* Assist with the development, implementation and monitoring of the dental quality assurance program.

* Assists in the provision of technical assistance and health education in the community 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.

* As a member of the health care team, exemplify an example in attitude toward patients and staff, thereby, performing duties with respect, dignity, privacy, and modesty to the patients.

* Fulfills state required Continuing Educational Credits within designated time frame. Attend professional conventions and seminars, participate in professional societies, and do all things reasonable, necessary and desirable to maintain and improve his/her professional skills.

* 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, work place safety, public health and confidentiality.

* Counsels patients regarding dental, medical and other problems which might affect patient's health and well-being.

* Performs such clinical procedures for patient's benefit which are within scope and skill of practitioner and which are economically feasible.

* Performs other job related duties, as may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

* Must be a Graduate of an accredited School of Dental Hygiene (MUST PROVIDE PROOF AT TIME OF INTERVIEW)

* Must be licensed to practice Dental Hygiene in the State of Illinois (MUST PROVIDE PROOF AT TIME OF INTERVIEW)

* Must possess an unrestricted license and current CPR certification (MUST PROVIDE PROOF AT TIME OF INTERVIEW)

* Must have comprehensive knowledge of oral hygiene care in an outpatient setting