Dental Hygienist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Dental Hygienist is responsible for assessing and delivering direct patient care. Utilizing effective oral hygiene procedures and protocols to treat, educate, and reinforce good health outcomes for the patient. Team members are expected to uphold the health center mission by assuring that patients receive health care that is competent, caring, and meets with a high degree of satisfaction. In addition, staff must support FPCSN's commitment to the creation of a trauma-informed system of care that continually recognizes and responds to the impact of traumatic stress on all those who have contact with the organization, including children, adults, families, caregivers, and staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct Patient Care

• Affords patient screening procedures which includes medical history review and dental charting in the EHR.
• Performs routine treatment procedures, such as cleaning, polishing, x-rays, application of sealants, fluorides and varnishes, and related procedures.
• Develops and implements individualized dental care plans for patients; performs patient education and risk protocols, discharge planning, and patient/family teaching under the supervision of a dentist.
• Provides chair-side assistance to dentist in the performance of special tests, procedures, and complex treatments.
• Documents dental history reports on pertinent observations, and other relevant patient information in the EHR.
• Documents lab procedures and ensures follow up on results.

• Maintenance of Laboratory Equipment and Supplies

• Affords assistance in the maintenance of all Dental Department areas in compliance with Dental Department directives and policies as well as center policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues.
• Affords assistance with managing hygiene inventory and supplies.
• Affords assistance in ensuring use of downtime to include cleaning/disinfecting and sterilizing office instruments, clean and stocking operatory.
• Affords assistance in performing routine cleaning and maintenance of dental equipment in assigned operatories and for the assigned equipment.
• Affords assistance in regularly and thoroughly performing maintenance of assigned equipment.

• Indirect Patient Care

• Affords assistance with insurance preauthorization process for periodontal scaling and root planning to assure follow-up on all denials and scheduling for all approved cases.
• Affords assistance in managing the continuing care recall system.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS

• Required Education and Experience

• Diploma from an accredited U.S. program with a Dental Hygienist degree.
• Pennsylvania State Licensure as a Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner.
• Pennsylvania State Local Anesthesia Licensure.

• Required Skills and Abilities

• Competent with Electronic Dental Records.
• Proficient with digital x-ray capture.
• Proficient with CCD digital x-ray capture.
• Ability to independently assess the nature and extent of dental, both periodontal and caries risk assessments, and associated conditions and pathology in dental patients.

• Lifting Requirements

• LIGHT – Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. The use of arm and/or leg control requires force greater than sedentary, but worker still sits majority of time.

• Physical Requirements

• Stand or Sit (stationary position).
• Walk.
• Use hands or fingers to handle or feel (operate, activate, prepare, inspect, position).
• Climb (stairs/ladders).
• Talk/Hear (communicate, converse, convey, express/exchange information).
• See (detect, identify, recognize, inspect, assess).
• Pushing or Pulling.
• Repetitive Motion.
• Reach (high or low).
• Kneel, Stoop, Crouch or Crawl (position self, move).

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, and veteran or disability status.

VISA SPONSORSHIP

FPCSN does not provide Visa Sponsorship. All candidates must be US Citizens and/or authorized to work in the United States without Sponsorship.

ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT

FPCSN is committed to maintaining a professional and welcoming environment for all staff and patients. We support continuous learning and team development that enhances cultural understanding, service excellence, and workplace collaboration.