Dental Hygienist (69751)

About the Role

This is an exempt position reporting to the Dental Director. The ideal candidate will embody character qualities such as dependability, diligence, endurance, enthusiasm, and joyfulness, maintaining a positive attitude even in challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Educate patients on preventative oral maintenance.
• Take digital X-rays and perform manual manipulation of scalers and root planning.
• Maintain knowledge of proper care for ultrasonic and prophylaxis instruments, dental disease etiology, nutrition, and dental hygiene.
• Assist the dentist during patient schedule overload.
• Prepare patients for dental treatment and arrange instrument materials and medications.
• Sharpen instruments as necessary and instruct patients on proper dental hygiene maintenance.
• Submit supplies requests and maintain dental equipment.
• Report patient dental hygiene conditions to the supervising dentist.
• Scale (including deep root planning) and polish teeth.
• Follow OSHA guidelines and use “Universal Precautions” safety rules.
• Maintain aseptic operatories and lab at all times.
• Support Variety Care’s accreditation as a Patient Centered Medical Home and commitment to providing safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable care.
• Provide leadership to achieve the goals of the “Triple Aim” of healthcare reform: improving care experience, health outcomes, and decreasing healthcare costs.
• Embody personal character, high moral and ethical conduct, integrity, adaptability, and sound judgment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Able to lift at least 25 pounds.
• Able to assist patients into and out of the dental chair.
• Able to walk, bend, lift, and remain on feet for extended periods.

Requirements

• A 2-year certificate or 4-year degree from an accredited college with a dental hygiene degree.
• Certified and Registered by the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry.
• Anesthesia license.
• Nitrous Oxide license.
• Experience handling confidential information.
• Experience working in a multi-faceted, fast-paced environment.
• Experience handling stressful situations and difficult patients.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (English/Spanish).