Dental Hygienist

Duties and Responsibilities

• Administers prophylactic treatment by the scaling and polishing of teeth.
• Documents area of existing restorations and notable areas of possible decay and disease for dentist's review. When appropriate, may call in the dentist for immediate consultation.
• Takes x-rays to determine the extent of any decay and disease.
• Administers fluoride treatment as needed.
• Updates the medical history of the patient, highlighting significant information for the dentist's review.
• Instructs patients in oral hygiene techniques, answering patient questions and providing other educational information relevant to oral hygiene.
• P practices universal precautions and other sterilization and infection control procedures and maintains equipment.
• Provides associated administrative support, including maintaining patient documentation, patient communication, and other record-keeping.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Stand for long periods.
• Speak, understand, and communicate the English language effectively.
• Hear adequately on the phone or in person and group settings.
• Utilize visual acuity to read small print.
• Have the ability to directly operate foot controls using fine movements.
• Operate hand and mechanical dental hygiene instruments around the teeth and structures in the oral cavity.
• Perform palpation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers and procedures.
• Transfer and position disabled patients and to physically restrain patients who lack motor control.
• Position and reposition self around patient and chair in a sitting or standing position.
• Have the coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and integrated use of the senses of touch and vision to execute movements reasonably required to provide general care and treatment to patients as detailed above.