Dental Hygienist

Summary

We are looking for a team-oriented individual who is outgoing with impressive communication skills, organized, professional, service minded, and willing to go above and beyond the basic responsibilities of the job. As a Dental Hygienist, you will be our dental health educator for our patients, you will be utilizing your knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat diseases and/or abnormalities, and you will work with both the dentist and patient to resolve any active diseases including caries or periodontal disease and much more.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates a patient’s current health status including all medications
• Performs an extraoral and intraoral examination and oral cancer screening
• Completes a comprehensive dental and periodontal charting that includes a detailed description and evaluation of the gingiva and periodontium
• Develops a dental hygiene diagnosis based on the oral health findings
• Exposes, processes, and interprets dental radiographs (x-rays)
• Removes biofilm plaque and calculus (soft and hard deposits) from teeth both coronal and apical to (above and below) the gingival margin (gumline) using dental instruments
• Applies caries-preventive agents such as fluorides and sealants to the teeth
• Discusses the progress being made toward isolating evidence that notes the potential association between systemic and oral health and disease
• Provides patient education on biofilm plaque control and home care protocol by incorporating techniques and products that will become part of an individualized self- care oral hygiene program
• Counsels and coordinates tobacco cessation programs
• Educates patients on the importance of good nutrition for maintaining optimal oral health
• Ensures that the patient knows why they need continuing care and that they have a follow up appointment that is set by the office

Requirements

• Completion of accredited Dental Hygiene program
• National and/or Active State RDH license
• Maintain a current license to practice including certifications as appropriate
• Passion for patient education