Dental Hygienist

Responsibilities

• Performs basic hygiene procedures including: prophylaxis, debridement, polishing, oral hygiene instructions, nutritional counseling, topical fluoride and sealant application
• Performs advanced therapeutic procedures including scaling and root planning, periodontal maintenance prophylaxis
• Administers local anesthetics for hygiene procedures as directed by a dentist
• Proficient in the use of piezo-electric devices and intra-oral cameras
• Affords home care skills and practices of patients and provides guidance and education to support the patients’ home care efforts
• Obtains vital signs as needed
• Obtains medical history of patients
• Proficient in obtaining radiographic surveys including full mouth series, vertical bite-wings, and panographic images using digital equipment as prescribed by a dentist
• Completes comprehensive periodontal charting as needed
• Prepares treatment rooms for hygiene services as needed following accepted infection control standards as needed
• Collaborates with dentist for the purpose of formulating periodontal treatment plans for patients
• Accurately communicates and notations in Electronic Dental Record for all patient encounters using departmental standards and protocols
• Communicates with all team members involved in patient’s care, including clerical staff, Dental Assistants, Hygienists, Dentists and supervisors where appropriate to enhance patient care
• Participates in any/all of the Dental Center improvements geared towards operational excellence

Qualifications

• Detail oriented, ability to prioritize workload, good communication, and interpersonal skills, team player, outstanding work ethic and employment record (including attendance and punctuality)
• Computer skills
• Ability to type 40 wpm
• Language Skills: Speak, read, write, and understand English
• Reasoning Ability: High
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: NY State Dental Hygienist License; NY State Dental Hygiene restricted local anesthesia certificate