Dental Hygienist

Position Summary

The Dental Hygienist is a licensed healthcare professional responsible for delivering high-quality preventive dental care, including oral health assessments, patient education, and hygiene services. The hygienist works under the supervision of a dentist and collaborates with the dental team to promote overall oral health in a community health center setting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct oral health assessments, including charting, periodontal measurements, and screening for signs of disease or abnormalities.
• Perform dental cleanings, including scaling, root planning, and polishing teeth.
• Apply fluoride treatments, sealants, and other preventive materials.
• Take and develop dental radiographs as prescribed.
• Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, nutrition, and disease prevention.
• Document patient findings and procedures in the electronic health record (EHR) accurately and timely.
• Sterilize and maintain instruments and treatment rooms following OSHA and CDC infection control guidelines.
• Assist with managing inventory and ordering hygiene supplies as needed.
• Support dental outreach initiatives, including health fairs and community education.
• Comply with all state and federal laws, clinical policies, and infection control protocols.
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and quality improvement initiatives as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education and Licensure: Graduate of an accredited Dental Hygiene program. Current licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) in the state of practice. Current CPR certification.
• Experience: Minimum of one year of clinical hygiene experience is preferred.
• Proficiency: Proficiency in using electronic health records and dental imaging systems.
• Skills: Strong communication and patient education skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. Culturally sensitive and able to work effectively with diverse populations.

Physical Demands

• Frequent sitting, standing, bending, and walking.
• Manual dexterity required for operating dental tools and computer systems.
• Able to lift up to 30 pounds occasionally.
• Adequate visual and auditory acuity to perform patient care and respond to needs.

Working Environment

• Work is performed in a dental clinical setting.
• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, and sharp instruments.
• Moderate noise levels are typical of dental office environments.
• May be required to work occasional evenings or weekends.